fractional flow reserve
Pronunciation: FRAK-shun-al flow ree-ZURV
Also written as: FFR — fractional flow reserve
Invasive measurement during cardiac catheterization that assesses the functional significance of coronary artery blockages.
Full Definition
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a physiologic measurement obtained during cardiac catheterization that determines whether a coronary stenosis significantly impairs blood flow to the myocardium. The measurement involves advancing a pressure wire across a stenotic lesion and calculating the ratio of distal coronary pressure to aortic pressure under conditions of maximal hyperemia. An FFR value of 0.80 or less indicates hemodynamically significant stenosis that may benefit from revascularization. This technique helps guide treatment decisions by identifying which lesions truly limit coronary flow.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as FFR in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Fractional flow reserve measurement showed an FFR of 0.75, indicating hemodynamically significant stenosis." — Interventional cardiology procedure report
- "The decision to proceed with stenting was based on fractional flow reserve rather than angiographic appearance alone." — Clinical decision-making note