The uptake of coronary fractional flow reserve in Australia in the past decade

Abstract

The use of coronary pressure wires (or fractional flow reserve [FFR]) has been shown to reduce the frequency of major adverse cardiac events and of unnecessary stent procedures, and to lower treatment costs in both the public and private sectors in Australia.1,2,3 FFR is a tool for assessing physiological ischaemia in coronary artery stenosis, measuring pre- and post-stenosis pressures during adenosine-induced hyperaemia. Because it is evidence-based and quantifiable, it may be discussed during the upcoming Medicare reform. Data on its uptake across Australia, however, have not been published.