Fractional Flow Reserve Measuring
Occasionally, coronary angiograms which are performed in the cardiac cath lab are not conclusive in determining whether blockages (also known as lesions) are clinically significant or not. When this occurs cardiologists will perform intravascular pressure measurement. During this procedure, cardiologists insert a pressure wire into an artery to determine whether a specific lesion is the cause of decreased blood flow. The pressure in the coronary artery will be measured above and below the area in question (the blockage) If the pressures are significantly different, the information lets the cardiologist know that the blockage is severe. This procedure can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of stenting as well.

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