Functional Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Stenoses Using Pressure Drop Coefficient: A Pilot Study in Humans

Optimization of cut-off values for diagnostic parameters in determining stenosis severity depends on coupling functional (hemodynamic) and anatomical data. In this study, we sought to investigate the functional diagnostic parameter (CDP; the ratio of trans-stenotic pressure drop to distal dynamic pressure) by correlating with FFR (ratio of distal to proximal pressure of a stenotic section) and CFR (ratio of hyperemic blood flow velocity to that of resting condition). A 0.014-inch dual sensor (pressure and Doppler velocity) guidewire was used in 9 patients to obtain pressure drop and velocity at hyperemia. Functional index CDP was assessed from measured hyperemic pressure drop and velocity. CDP correlated linearly and significantly with FFR and CFR. Indicating that, measurements of CDP can provide a better assessment of stenosis severity.