Use of fractional flow reserve in patients with coronary artery disease: The right choice for the right outcome

Abstract

Despite advances in therapy, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the past years, the utilization of revascularization procedures has been refined, and in the best interest of the patient and to reduce the healthcare burden of CAD, it is paramount that patients are appropriately selected for therapies aiming at improving their symptoms and prognosis. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the current invasive standard test to identify hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenoses with resultant implications for revascularization and clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss the current evidence behind the use of FFR as well as new trends in the application of this technique to help guide clinicians in making the best management decisions for patients with CAD.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease; Fractional flow reserve.