minimal lumen area
Also written as: MLA — Minimal Lumen Area
The smallest cross-sectional area of a coronary vessel lumen, typically measured by intravascular imaging.
Full Definition
Minimal lumen area (MLA) is the smallest luminal cross-sectional area within a coronary artery segment, most accurately measured using intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography. MLA is considered the most reliable parameter for assessing stenosis severity by intravascular imaging, as it correlates better with functional significance than angiographic measurements. An MLA of less than 4.0 mm² in the left main coronary artery or less than 2.5-3.0 mm² in other major vessels is generally considered hemodynamically significant and may warrant revascularization.
Usage
Usage note: Units should always be specified (typically mm²) when reporting numerical values.
In Context
- "IVUS demonstrated a minimal lumen area of 2.1 mm² at the site of the angiographically intermediate lesion." — Imaging report
- "The minimal lumen area criterion supported the decision to proceed with coronary intervention." — Clinical decision note