Fractional Flow Reserve : Curehealth

Fractional Flow Reserve

Fractional Flow Reserve is a test that is done to compares the blood flow on either side of a blockage in your coronary artery.

Some facts about Fractional Flow Reserve:

Your health care provider will be able to know how severe the narrowing (stenosis) is in your artery by Fractional Flow Reserve.
The blood pressure and flow in your coronary arteries will be checked during the procedure.
The highest possible blood flow you can have with and without a blockage can be compared by the health care provider.
Fractional flow reserve test is done as part of a cardiac catheterization of your heart's left side or during a coronary angiogram which help decide the type of treatment you need.
A fractional flow reserve test is performed by a cardiologist.
An instrument is used to take blood pressure readings on both sides of a blockage inside your coronary artery.
These readings are used by the equipment to calculate your fractional flow reserve.

You should informed your healthcare provider if you have ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, or if you are allergic to iodine.
You should also informed your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines including prescribed and over-the-counter and herbal supplements that you are taking.
Your healthcare provider should be informed about any history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting as it may be necessary for you to stop these medicines several days before your test..
A blood test may be done before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

The fractional flow reserve assessment will take less than an hour.
However, it will take additional time if your provider decides to do an angioplasty and put in a stent.
A local anesthetic will be injected into your skin and a needle will be inserted in your arm, neck or groin.
The needle will be used to thread a catheter into your artery.
The catheter will be advanced through arteries to get to your aorta and then your coronary arteries, which come out of your aorta.
Fluoroscopy (X-ray) will be used that helps your provider see where the catheter is going.
Liquid contrast media will be injected through the catheter and into your coronary arteries to make them easier to see.
Blockages in your coronary arteries will be checked.
An ultrasound device will be used on the catheter to look at your blood flow.
Heparin and nitroglycerin will be given before moving a pressure wire into the narrow area.
The pressure sensors of the catheter will be used to check the pressure on either side of the narrow part in your coronary artery
This will be checked when blood flow is at its highest for an accurate measurement.
An angioplasty and stent placement in your coronary artery will be performed if you need it.
Your FFR will be checked again after completing the angioplasty and putting in a stent.
The catheter will be removed and pressure will be put on your access site.