Coronary Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
Physiological pressure-wire assessment of coronary artery blockages — determining whether a narrowing requires stenting or can be managed with medication.
What is It?
Coronary Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) is a specialised diagnostic test performed during a coronary angiogram to measure how significantly a narrowing in a coronary artery is affecting blood flow to the heart muscle. Rather than relying solely on the visual appearance of a blockage, FFR measures the actual physiological impact of the narrowing.
At One Heart Centre, our interventional cardiologists use FFR to ensure that every stenting decision is based on objective evidence, providing you with the most appropriate and personalised treatment.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may perform FFR to:
- Determine whether a coronary artery narrowing is functionally significant and restricting blood flow
- Guide evidence-based decisions about coronary angioplasty and stent placement
- Avoid unnecessary stenting when a blockage is not haemodynamically significant
- Improve diagnostic accuracy in the management of coronary artery disease
- Personalise your treatment strategy for the best possible long-term outcomes
FFR is particularly valuable when angiogram findings are borderline or when the clinical significance of a narrowing is uncertain.
What Does the Test Involve?
FFR is performed during a standard coronary angiogram. After the coronary arteries have been visualised, a very thin pressure-sensing wire is gently advanced across the area of narrowing within the artery.
A short-acting medication is administered through the intravenous line to maximise blood flow in the coronary artery. Pressure measurements are then taken on either side of the narrowing to calculate the FFR value. This process adds only a few extra minutes to the angiogram procedure.
You may feel a brief sensation of warmth, mild flushing or temporary shortness of breath when the medication is given — these effects are entirely normal and resolve quickly. The test is closely monitored and performed in a highly controlled environment.
What are the Benefits?
- Highly accurate, evidence-based assessment of whether a blockage truly requires a stent
- Reduces unnecessary coronary interventions and associated risks
- Improves long-term clinical outcomes through precision-guided treatment
- Personalised decision-making tailored to your specific coronary anatomy
- Adds only minimal time to a standard coronary angiogram