How can FFR be used to evaluate stent placement?
FFRmyo was used to assess the success of stent deployment in a pilot study (10) by investigating what value of FFRmyo was associated with a successful procedure. In 17 patients, FFRmyo was calculated after stenting had resulted in an satisfactory angiograph result. In 12 patients with near normal FFRmyo (FFRmyo = 0.96 0.03), no further action was taken. However, in 5 patients with sub-optimal FFRmyo (FFRmyo = 0.87 0.05), higher inflation pressure or a larger balloon was used. This resulted in a much improved functional result: FFRmyo = 0.97 0.03. After coronary stenting, FFR should be at least above 0.90, which is achievable in 90 % of patients. The closer to 1.0, the better. Initial work suggests great potential for the method, but further studies are ongoing to define the role of FFRmyo in verifying the optimal stent placement. In summary, after adequate stent deployment, no noticeable pressure gradient should be present across the stented segment, even at maximum hyperemia (FFRmyo s
