hemodynamically significant
A vascular lesion that meaningfully impairs blood flow and causes measurable physiological consequences.
Full Definition
Hemodynamically significant describes a vascular abnormality, typically stenosis or occlusion, that substantially reduces blood flow and produces measurable clinical or physiological effects. The significance is determined through various imaging and functional parameters, such as pressure gradients, flow velocities, perfusion deficits, or fractional flow reserve measurements. For coronary arteries, stenosis of 70% or greater diameter reduction is generally considered hemodynamically significant, while peripheral vessels may require different thresholds. This distinction is crucial for treatment decisions, as hemodynamically significant lesions typically warrant intervention while non-significant lesions may be managed conservatively. Editors should ensure this term is used appropriately with supporting evidence from imaging or functional studies.
Usage
Usage note: Always provide supporting evidence (pressure measurements, flow studies, functional testing) when describing lesions as hemodynamically significant.
In Context
- "The 80% stenosis of the left anterior descending artery was hemodynamically significant by FFR criteria." — Interventional cardiology report
- "Despite anatomical narrowing, the lesion was not hemodynamically significant on stress testing." — Cardiac catheterization report