fractional flow reserve
Physiological measurement of coronary stenosis significance using pressure wire assessment during cardiac catheterization.
Full Definition
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a lesion-specific physiological index that represents the ratio of maximal blood flow in a stenotic artery to the theoretical maximal flow in the same artery if it were normal. FFR is measured using a pressure wire during cardiac catheterization under conditions of maximal hyperemia, typically induced by adenosine. An FFR value ≤0.80 indicates hemodynamically significant stenosis that would benefit from revascularization. FFR-guided percutaneous coronary intervention has been shown to improve outcomes compared to angiography-guided intervention alone, making it an important tool in contemporary preventive cardiology and interventional practice.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as FFR; express values as decimals (0.80) rather than percentages.
In Context
- "FFR measurement of 0.75 confirmed hemodynamic significance of the intermediate lesion." — cardiac catheterization report
- "The decision to defer intervention was based on FFR values greater than 0.80." — interventional cardiology note