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Advanced Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

fractional flow reserve

Also written as: FFR — fractional flow reserve

Invasive measurement of the functional significance of coronary stenosis using pressure wire assessment.

Full Definition

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a physiological measurement that determines the functional significance of coronary artery stenoses during cardiac catheterization. FFR is calculated as the ratio of distal coronary pressure to aortic pressure during maximal hyperemia, typically induced with adenosine. An FFR value of 0.80 or less indicates hemodynamically significant stenosis that would benefit from revascularization. This technique helps guide treatment decisions by distinguishing between anatomically significant but functionally insignificant lesions and those that truly limit coronary blood flow. FFR-guided percutaneous coronary intervention has been shown to improve outcomes compared to angiography-guided procedures alone.

Usage

Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as FFR; always include the specific numeric value and threshold interpretation.

In Context

  • "Fractional flow reserve measurement revealed an FFR of 0.75, confirming hemodynamic significance of the lesion." — cardiac catheterization report
  • "The decision to proceed with stenting was based on fractional flow reserve rather than angiographic appearance alone." — interventional procedure note

Also known as

FFR pressure wire study

Don't confuse with

instantaneous wave-free ratio coronary flow reserve angiographic stenosis

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