FAVOR III Europa Sub-Analysis: Coronary Revascularization Deferral Based On QFR vs FFR

When it comes to intermediate coronary lesion revascularization decision making, functional assessment is the recommended. At present, several indices are used, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) and non-hyperemic coronary flow ratios. Among these, angiography based quantitative flow ratio (QFR), allows FFR estimation. Numerous studies have validated the use of QFR for coronary lesion revascularization decision making. 

However, the FAVOR III Europa randomized trial, published ad hoc, showed that QFR guided strategies do not reach non-inferiority vs FFR as regards major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Even though revascularization deferral strategies based on physiological parameters have been shown safe for conventional indices, QFR safety has not yet been clearly established. 

Coronary Revascularization Strategies: QFR vs FFR in Intermediate Lesions

The aim of this Favor III Europa (randomized and multicenter) sub-analysis was to assess the safety of deferred revascularization based on QFR vs FFR. 

Read also: TENDERA: Comparing Conventional vs. Distal Transradial Occlusion for Coronary Interventions.

Primary end point was one-year MACE rate, defined as all-cause death, acute MI, or unplanned coronary revascularization. Secondary end point included individual primary end point components and target vessel failure (TVF).

The FAVOR III Europa trial included 2,000 patients, 1,008 assigned to QFR and 992 to FFR. Mean patient age was 66 and they were mostly men. The most frequent clinical presentation was chronic coronary syndrome.  

A total of 523 QFR patients (55.2%) and 599 FFR patients (65.3%) had at least one deferred revascularization. 433 of these QFR patients (82.8%) and 511 (85.3%) FFR patients had complete deferred revascularization of all lesions. In this subgroup, MACE rate was significantly higher among QFR patients vs FFR (24 [5.6%] vs 14 [2.8%]; HR 2.07; CI 95%: 1.07–4.03; p = 0.03). 

Read also: ROUTE TRAIL: DKCRUSH vs. DKRUSH Culotte in Non-Left Main Bifurcation Lesions.

In the subgroup of patients with at least one deferred lesion, MACE rate was 5.6% vs 3.6%, respectively (HR 1.55; CI  95%: 0.88–2.73; p = 0.13).

Conclusion: Impact of QFR vs FFR on Major Adverse Cardiac Events 

In this sub-analysis, QFR based deferred coronary revascularization was associated with higher MACE rate vs FFR. This difference was mainly related to an increase in unplanned revascularization. 

Original Title: Coronary revascularisation deferral based on quantitative flow ratio or fractional flow reserve: a post hoc analysis of the FAVOR III Europe trial.

Reference: Birgitte K. Andersen MD et al EuroIntervention 2025;21:e1-e10.


Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Get the latest scientific articles on interventional cardiology

Dr. Andrés Rodríguez
Dr. Andrés Rodríguez
Member of the Editorial Board of solaci.org

More articles by this author

Patients at High Risk of Bleeding After Coronary Angioplasty: Are Risk Assessment Tools ARC-HBR and PRECISE-DAPT Useful?

Patients undergoing coronary stenting typically receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 6 to 12 months, consisting of a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and aspirin. While DAPT...

ACC 2025 | WARRIOR: Ischemia in Women with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Approximately half of all women with symptomatic ischemia who undergo coronary angiography are found to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease ((ischemia and non-obstructive coronary...

ACC 2025 | FLAVOUR II: Angiography-Derived FFR-Guided vs. IVUS-Guided PCI

Physiological assessment is effective when it comes to decision-making for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, despite the available evidence, its use remains limited. AngioFFR...

ACC-2025 Congress Second Day Key Studies

BHF PROTECT-TAVI (Kharbanda RK, Kennedy J, Dodd M, et al.)The largest randomized  trial carried out across 33 UK centers between 2020 and 2024, assessing...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related Articles

SOLACI Sessionsspot_img

Recent Articles

Patients at High Risk of Bleeding After Coronary Angioplasty: Are Risk Assessment Tools ARC-HBR and PRECISE-DAPT Useful?

Patients undergoing coronary stenting typically receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 6 to 12 months, consisting of a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and aspirin. While DAPT...

ACC 2025 | WARRIOR: Ischemia in Women with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Approximately half of all women with symptomatic ischemia who undergo coronary angiography are found to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease ((ischemia and non-obstructive coronary...

ACC 2025 | TAVI in Low-Risk Patients: 5-Year Outcomes of EVOLUTE LOW RISK

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a valid alternative to surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, one of its main limitations...