This study describes the accuracy of the new computed tomography (CT) technique to calculate fractional flow reserve (FFR). Other CT techniques to measure FFR use allometric scaling and assume coronary microvascular resistance. However, instead of assuming these parameters, this new technique calculates them based on coronary and aorta lumen deformation. The accuracy of this…
Good outcomes of bioresorbable scaffolds in off-label cases
Original Title: Clinical outcomes following “off-label” versus “established” indication of bioresorbable scaffolds for treatment of coronary artery disease in a real-world population. Reference: Tadashi Miyazaki, et al EuroIntervention 2016;11:475-478. Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Fava. Bioresorbable scaffolds (BSB) have shown their benefit in different studies, but there is little information available on “off label”…
Could CT angiography replace coronary angiography in the short term?
Original Title: CT Angiography for the Prediction of Hemodynamic Significance in Intermediate and Severe Lesions. Head-to-Head Comparison with Quantitative Coronary Angiography Using Fractional Flow Reserve as the Reference Standard. Reference: Matthew J. Budoff et al. J Am Coll Cardiol Img. 2016;9(5):559-564. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive…
Cutoff FFR Values, What to Do in the “Grey Zone”
Original Title: Significance of Intermediate Values of Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. Reference: Julien Adjedj et al. Circulation. 2016 Jan 5. Epub ahead of print. The fractional flow reserve (FFR) value of 0.75 has been validated against tests for inducible ischemia, whereas the value 0.80 has been widely accepted to guide the…
Does PCI Improve Survival in Patients with Stable Heart Disease? COURAGE Extended Analysis
Original Title: Effect of PCI on Long-Term Survival in Patients with Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. Reference: Steven P. Sedlis et al. N Engl J Med 2015;373:1937-46. Courtesy of Dr. Santiago Alonso. Centro Cardiológico Americano. Sanatorio Americano. Montevideo, Uruguay. During a median follow up of 4.6 years, with 2287 stable heart disease or silent ischemia patients,…