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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Jan 7;36(2):100-11.
doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu338. Epub 2014 Sep 1.

Fractional flow reserve vs. angiography in guiding management to optimize outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the British Heart Foundation FAMOUS-NSTEMI randomized trial

Jamie Layland  1 , Keith G Oldroyd  2 , Nick Curzen  3 , Arvind Sood  4 , Kanarath Balachandran  5 , Raj Das  6 , Shahid Junejo  7 , Nadeem Ahmed  2 , Matthew M Y Lee  2 , Aadil Shaukat  2 , Anna O'Donnell  2 , Julian Nam  8 , Andrew Briggs  8 , Robert Henderson  9 , Alex McConnachie  10 , Colin Berry  11 ; FAMOUS–NSTEMI investigators
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Fractional flow reserve vs. angiography in guiding management to optimize outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the British Heart Foundation FAMOUS-NSTEMI randomized trial

Jamie Layland et al. Eur Heart J. .

Abstract

Aim: We assessed the management and outcomes of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients randomly assigned to fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided management or angiography-guided standard care.

Methods and results: We conducted a prospective, multicentre, parallel group, 1 : 1 randomized, controlled trial in 350 NSTEMI patients with ≥1 coronary stenosis ≥30% of the lumen diameter assessed visually (threshold for FFR measurement) (NCT01764334). Enrolment took place in six UK hospitals from October 2011 to May 2013. Fractional flow reserve was disclosed to the operator in the FFR-guided group (n = 176). Fractional flow reserve was measured but not disclosed in the angiography-guided group (n = 174). Fractional flow reserve ≤0.80 was an indication for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The median (IQR) time from the index episode of myocardial ischaemia to angiography was 3 (2, 5) days. For the primary outcome, the proportion of patients treated initially by medical therapy was higher in the FFR-guided group than in the angiography-guided group [40 (22.7%) vs. 23 (13.2%), difference 95% (95% CI: 1.4%, 17.7%), P = 0.022]. Fractional flow reserve disclosure resulted in a change in treatment between medical therapy, PCI or CABG in 38 (21.6%) patients. At 12 months, revascularization remained lower in the FFR-guided group [79.0 vs. 86.8%, difference 7.8% (-0.2%, 15.8%), P = 0.054]. There were no statistically significant differences in health outcomes and quality of life between the groups.

Conclusion: In NSTEMI patients, angiography-guided management was associated with higher rates of coronary revascularization compared with FFR-guided management. A larger trial is necessary to assess health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Coronary revascularization; Fractional flow reserve; Medical therapy; Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of the clinical trial.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fractional flow reserve-guided group: treatment decisions initially based on angiography alone and then finally after fractional flow reserve disclosure.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Relationship between angiographic stenosis severity assessed visually before randomization and fractional flow reserve.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Kaplan–Meier plots for major adverse cardiac events during 12-month follow-up in the FFR-guided group and angiography-guided group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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