The Advantages of Virtual FFR Over Invasive Angiography

The FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) is the popular standard for determining the extent of coronary artery stenosis and its impact on blood flow. However, several factors, including practical and operator-related ones, are used in very few diagnostic procedures. The virtual FFR is computed via coronary imaging procedures and modelling computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD uses numerical methods and computer algorithms to analyse the fluid flow. It is an easier alternative to the inversive fractional flow reserve. It delivers the physiological assessment but does not have the factors that limit the traditional invasive procedure, such as using a pressure wire.

Benefits of the Procedure

This procedure is fast and less invasive, and doctors can integrate it into the catheter laboratory software. In many mild conditions, it can play a role in managing moderate conditions in real-time, especially for those with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. In addition, the method is a lot cheaper, as it eliminates the need for a pressure wire and a hyperemic drug that should be available in the invasive procedure. It can be available even for routine diagnostic procedures when integrated into the catheter software.

On the other hand, the traditional procedure that uses a pressure wire is long, uncomfortable, and comes with various risks. Besides, it may put the patient in unnecessary pain, yet coronary artery blockage does not warrant invasive procedures. On the other hand, virtual FFR is limited in that it estimates the pressure across the stenosis based on knowledge of how fluid moves. This is different from the invasive method, which gives you the actual pressure measurement across the stenosis.

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