Fractional Flow Reserve is a study done in the Cardiac Cath lab during a Coronary Angiogram To measure the pressure difference across a coronary artery blockade for indicated patients. It determines the likelihood of impairment of blood flow to the heart muscle due to the block. It helps in doing a functional evaluation of the block and in  making a decision regarding percutaneous intervention (angioplasty)

What is measured in FFR?

The pressure in the arterial lumen below the block relative to the pressure in the arterial Lumen above the block is FFR. It is a ratio.

Do all patients requiring angiogram/angioplasty require FFR?

No. The decision on FFR will be done by the cardiologist during his pre-procedure evaluation.

How is FFR done?

                During a coronary angiogram, a catheter is inserted into the groin/hand. A special wire (FFR wire) which has a ‘sensor’ is used to measure the pressure difference across the block in the Coronary artery.

Results :

  • A higher FFR value means the block/stenosis is non-significant.
  • A low FFR value means the block/stenosis is significant/critical and it requires intervention by way of ANGIOPLASTY.
  • Hence FFR is a valuable procedure which is important in avoiding unwanted angioplasties in a borderline block in the coronary artery.