Current Concepts of Integrated Coronary Physiology in the Catheterization Laboratory

Over the last 15 years, the use of invasive coronary physiology in the catheterization laboratory has demonstrated favorable outcomes for decision making in patients with intermediate single-vessel stenoses, complex bifurcation and ostial branch stenoses, multivessel coronary artery disease, and left main stenoses. A recent large multicenter study (FAME [FFR versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation]) found that a physiologically-guided approach was superior to the standard angiographically-guided approach for percutaneous revascularization in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. This review addresses selected pertinent concepts and studies supporting the integration of coronary physiology in the catheterization laboratory for optimal patient outcomes. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2010; 55: 173-85) (C) 2010 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation