Functional assessment of coronary artery disease in the interventional cardiology suite

Scritto il 15/01/2026
da Victor Weerts

Rev Med Liege. 2026 Jan;81(1):21-28.

ABSTRACT

Ischemic heart disease, the main clinical expression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, remains a leading global health challenge. While coronary angiography is the gold standard for anatomical assessment, it has limitations in determining the functional relevance of coronary lesions. Invasive physiological techniques - such as Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and its resting equivalents (iFR, RFR) - enable an objective hemodynamic evaluation, particularly useful in intermediate or multivessel diseases. Emerging imaging-derived tools, including QFR and FFRCT, offer less invasive alternatives that may play an increasing role in the upstream decision-making process. This article provides a practical overview of the available modalities, their physiological rationale, and their integration into interventional practice.

PMID:41537326