Name of the Procedure:

Intravascular Doppler Velocity and/or Pressure Derived Coronary Flow Reserve Measurement During Coronary Angiography with Pharmacologically Induced Stress (Initial Vessel)

Summary

This procedure uses specialized equipment during a coronary angiogram to measure blood flow and pressure in a coronary artery or graft, especially under stress induced by medication.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

This procedure is used to assess coronary artery disease or the functionality of a coronary graft.

Goals:

• Determine how well blood is flowing through the coronary arteries.
• Assess the severity of blockages or obstructions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of previous coronary interventions, such as stents or grafts.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Suspected or known coronary artery disease.
• Unexplained chest pain or angina.
• Evaluation before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease.
• Patients with inconclusive non-invasive test results.
• Individuals who have undergone previous coronary interventions.

Preparation

Instructions:

• Fasting for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
• Stop certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) might be performed beforehand.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Pre-procedure coronary angiography.
• Possible stress tests or other imaging studies.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia to numb the insertion site, mild sedation may be given.
2. Insertion: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist.
3. Coronary Angiography: X-ray images are taken as contrast dye is injected to visualize the arteries.
4. Doppler and Pressure Sensors: Special devices are threaded through the catheter to measure blood flow velocity and pressure.
5. Stress Induction: Medication (e.g., adenosine) is administered to increase heart workload.
6. Measurements: Blood flow and pressure are measured while the heart is at rest and under stress.
7. Completion: Catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.

Tools:

• Catheter with Doppler ultrasound and/or pressure sensors.
• X-ray imaging equipment.
• Pharmacologic agents to induce stress.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital's cardiac catheterization lab.

Personnel

• Interventional cardiologist
• Nursing staff
• Radiology technicians
• Anesthesiologists (if deeper sedation is needed)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Minor bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
• Temporary discomfort from the catheter.

Rare Risks:

• Vessel injury or arterial dissection.
• Adverse reaction to contrast dye or medications.
• Heart rhythm disturbances.
• Infection.

Management:

• Most complications are managed with medication or additional intervention procedures.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of coronary blood flow and pressure.
• Identification of severe coronary artery disease.
• Assistance in planning further treatment like angioplasty or surgery.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Monitor vital signs and catheter insertion site.
• Restrict activities that strain the catheter site for a few days.
• Follow-up appointments to discuss results and any further treatment.

Recovery Time:

• Typically a few hours of observation.
• Patients can often return to normal activities within a day or two but should follow specific medical advice.

Alternatives

Other Options:

• Non-invasive stress tests (e.g., treadmill stress test, stress echocardiogram).
• Cardiac MRI or CT angiography.

Pros and Cons:

• Non-invasive tests are less risky but may not be as accurate.
• Alternatives may not provide as detailed information on coronary blood flow and pressure.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Mild discomfort from catheter insertion.
• Sensations of warmth or metallic taste from contrast dye.
• Possible increased heart rate or sensations of stress from medication.

After Procedure:

• Bruising or soreness at insertion site.
• Instructions on care and activities.
• Pain management typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers.