Physiological Assessment of Coronary Stenoses and the Microcirculation

This book offers a thorough exploration of coronary artery disease, emphasizing the significance of physiological assessments, including fractional flow reserve, and the relationship between epicardial vessels and microcirculation.

Physiological Assessment of Coronary Stenoses and the Microcirculation explores the evolution of coronary angiography and its critical role in understanding coronary artery disease. Since its inception, this technique has undergone significant changes in study and interpretation, particularly with advancements in angiographic and intracoronary imaging methods. The book emphasizes the importance of functional assessments of coronary circulation, highlighting the implications for diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease. A key focus is on fractional flow reserve (FFR), a pressure-derived index that exemplifies the significance of physiological evaluation in clinical practice.

Despite the widespread acceptance of FFR among cardiologists, there remains a notable gap in knowledge concerning the fundamental principles of coronary physiology and alternative techniques that can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of coronary circulation. This gap is particularly evident in the assessment of microcirculation, which often plays a critical role in acute coronary syndromes and is influenced by various cardiovascular risk factors. The book addresses the need for a better understanding of the interplay between epicardial vessels and microcirculatory health.

Furthermore, the text discusses emerging imaging techniques such as invasive optical coherence tomography and non-invasive CT and NMR methods that enhance our understanding of coronary circulation. By providing a thorough review of anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic techniques, this book serves as an essential resource for clinicians and researchers in the field, guiding them in the assessment of both epicardial and microcirculatory diseases and offering insights into optimal approaches for evaluating coronary circulation.