Khaberni - In a medical advancement that could facilitate the diagnosis of heart diseases, researchers have developed a new, less invasive technology for assessing blood flow in the coronary arteries. According to a report on Medical Xpress, this method has shown results similar to the current conventional procedure, with the potential for easier application in daily practice.
The traditional method, known as Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), involves inserting a catheter into the artery to measure pressure and blood flow after administering special medications. Despite its effectiveness, its use is limited due to its complexity, cost, and potential for complications.
Conversely, the new technology, known as vFFR, uses computer analysis of 3D imaging of the heart, allowing for the estimation of arterial narrowing without the need to insert devices into the body or use additional medications.
The study included 2235 patients across seven European countries, with an average age of 67 years, where both methods were compared in terms of results over one year. The data showed that about 7.5% of patients in both groups experienced major complications such as death, heart attacks, or the need for additional procedures, indicating comparable performance between the two methods.
The new technology also recorded a 4% rate of vessel-related failures, compared to 4.6% in the traditional method, a slight difference that supports its effectiveness.
Broad Diagnosis Horizons
Researchers believe that this technology could contribute to expanded use of blood flow assessments in patients, especially since less invasive procedures are often more acceptable and easier to implement.
Despite these positive outcomes, the researchers note some limitations, including that the study was not "blinded," and only a limited percentage of participants were experiencing acute heart attacks, which necessitates further studies.
Moreover, this technology could pave the way for reducing the need for complicated procedures, but it does not eliminate the role of traditional methods, rather it offers an additional option depending on the patient's condition and medical evaluation.
