65
Views
7
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
REVIEW ARTICLES

Angiographic and physiologic assessment of coronary flow and myocardial perfusion in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

&
Pages 69-78 | Received 06 Feb 2007, Published online: 10 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Introduction: For many years, coronary angiography has been used to define coronary artery lesions. Angiographic assessment of coronary flow using the TIMI flow grade system (TFG) and the TIMI frame count (TFC) methods have played a significant role in our understanding of coronary artery disease and they have proved useful in prediction of long-term clinical outcomes after myocardial infarction. The availability of invasive techniques to assess the physiological significance of coronary artery lesions allows a more rationale approach to the management of patients, particularly those with intermediate lesions. The TIMI scores and other angiographic parameters such as the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) are now integrated into clinical practice, as are the use of flow wires and pressure recording wires. Other angiographic techniques, (e.g. digital subtraction angiography), which at this time are predominantly research tools, will require software integration into the imaging chain to facilitate real-time analysis. Conclusion: In this article, we provide a comprehensive descriptive review of the different means of assessment of coronary flow in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, focusing on scores deducted from angiography as well as invasive haemodynamic measurements of blood flow and pressure.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.