New Noninvasive Test for Diseased Coronary Arteries Implemented

A new noninvasive Computed Tomography (CT) test that can be used to quantify blood flow through diseased coronary arteries has been implemented in a major US medical center.

Normally a patient with plaque in coronary arteries undergoes an invasive catherization and angiogram test. The new technology called Fractional Flow Reserve-Computed Tomography (FFRCT), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Silver Spring, MD USA), and can quantify the extent of plaque in an artery, and whether a patient needs stents or bypass surgery.

The test developed by HeartFlow (Redwood City, CA, USA) was implemented in the Loyola University Medical Center (Maywood, IL, USA).

FFRCT uses CT scans to create a 3-D model of coronary arteries. Computer models then generate color-coded maps to quantify blood flow in each coronary artery. Minor reductions in blood flow can be treated by aspirin or cholesterol-lowering drugs while a major blockage may require bypass surgery or stent placement.

Mark Rabbat, MD, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said, “FFRCT provides superior patient care and helps guide treatment strategies with a single, noninvasive study that is low risk and provides accurate information. FFRCT is a game changer. For the first time, we have a single comprehensive, noninvasive diagnostic test that offers both an anatomic assessment and the functional significance of coronary artery disease.”

Related Links:
Loyola University Health System
FDA
Heartflow