Abstract

Functional tests used in the catheterization laboratory have emerged as a very important adjunctive tool to coronary angiography that can identify patients with myocardial blood flow impairment.

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) measurement is highly recommended for detection of ischemia-related coronary lesion(s) when objective evidence of vessel-related ischemia is not available.

Recently, the much simpler instantaneous wave free ratio (iFR) was proposed as an alternative to FFR without the requirement for administration of vasodilators.

More user-friendly techniques like iFR might further contribute to value-based care in coronary interventions.

Keywords: Cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, Coronary microcirculation, Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), Instantaneous wave free ratio (iFR), computer tomography CT- derived fractional flow reserve FFRCT.