Name of the Procedure:

Noninvasive estimated coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) data using computational fluid dynamics physiologic simulation software analysis of functional data to assess the severity of coronary artery.

Summary

This noninvasive procedure uses advanced CT imaging and computational analysis to determine the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries. By simulating blood flow, it helps doctors evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease without needing more invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to diagnose and assess the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). It aims to identify significant blockages in the coronary arteries that may restrict blood flow to the heart, potentially guiding whether further invasive treatments may be necessary.

Indications

• Symptoms of chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Presence of risk factors for coronary artery disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol)
• Abnormal results from other noninvasive tests like a stress test

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast for a few hours before the CT scan.
• Specific instructions regarding medications might be provided, such as avoiding caffeine or certain heart medications.
• Patients may need to undergo initial diagnostic tests like a standard electrocardiogram (EKG) or stress test.

Procedure Description

1. CT Imaging: Initial imaging is done using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) to capture detailed images of the coronary arteries.
2. Data Analysis: The collected data is processed using computational fluid dynamics software, which simulates blood flow within the arteries.
3. Functional Data Assessment: The software estimates the FFR, which determines the pressure differences across coronary artery lesions to evaluate the severity of blockages.

Tools and Technology

• CT scanner
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software

Anesthesia or Sedation

• Generally, no anesthesia or sedation is required as it is a noninvasive procedure.

Duration

The entire process, including the CT scan and computational analysis, typically takes a few hours, though the scanning itself is usually completed in under 30 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital radiology or imaging department.

Personnel

• Radiologists
• Cardiologists
• Technologists trained in CT imaging and computational analysis

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to radiation, though the amount is generally low.
• Potential allergic reactions to contrast material used in CT imaging.
• Rare risk of nephrotoxicity in patients with preexisting kidney issues due to contrast dye.

Benefits

• Noninvasive with fewer risks compared to traditional cardiac catheterization.
• Provides precise information on the severity of coronary artery blockages.
• Helps in making informed decisions about the need for further treatment, such as angioplasty or surgery.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and potential treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Invasive coronary angiography/cardiac catheterization: Provides direct visualization and measurement but involves higher risks.
• Noninvasive stress tests: Less detailed information compared to FFR-CT.

Patient Experience

• During the CT scan, patients may feel a brief sensation of warmth from the contrast dye.
• Generally painless procedure with mild discomfort from lying still during the scan.
• They can expect to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure with minimal downtime.