FFR pressure wire comparative study: piezoresistive versus optical sensor

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to assess the reliability of pressure derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement and the handling performance of the OptoWire Deux with an optical pressure sensor relative to both the PressureWire X and the Verrata Pressure wire with piezoresistive pressure sensors.

Methods

This single centre study included 80 patients between October 2016 and May 2017 undergoing a diagnostic coronary angiography. The reliability of FFR measurement measured with the OptoWire Deux relative to the PressureWire X and Verrata Pressure wire was assessed by the presence of drift. Drift was defined as a Pd/Pa measurement different from 1.00 ± 0.02 when pulled back after a FFR measurement at the location of the initial equalisation. Handling characteristics for all pressure wires were assessed qualitatively with respect to the PressureWire Aeris.

Results

Ninety-eight measurements in 78 patients were performed; two patients were excluded because the lesion could not be crossed. Very stable and reliable FFR measurements with the optical sensors were registered, relative to the piezoresistive pressure sensors. Drift was found in 11%, 37%, and 33% of the measurements for OptoWire Deux, PressureWire X, and Verrata Pressure wire respectively. The handling performance of the OptoWire Deux was better rated for steerability and torqueability in relation to the standard FFR wire. The handling of the PressureWire X was rated equally good whereas the handling of the Verrata pressure wire was rated inferior in relation to the standard FFR wire.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing FFR measurement, the OptoWire Deux has a stable and reliable pressure hence FFR measurement with fewer drift events and has good handling characteristics.

Keywords:

• Fractional flow reserve
• drift
• optical pressure sensor
• piezoresistive pressure sensor

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Marcel van ‘t Veer from the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the University of Technology Eindhoven for his statistical support.

Disclosure statement

Jo Dens receives grants from TopMedical (Distributor of OptoWire Deux)Asahi Intecc co. materials) for teaching courses and proctoring. Joren Maeremans is researcher for the Limburg Clinical Research Program UHasselt-ZOL-Jessa, supported by the foundation Limburg Sterk Merk, Hasselt University, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg and Jessa Hospital.