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.1-3 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.
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- 1. De Bruyne B, Pijls NHJ, Kalesan B, et al; FAME 2 Study Investigators. Fractional flow reserve-guided PCI versus medical therapy in stable coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2012; 367: 991-1001.
- 2. Murphy JC, Hansen PS, Bhindi R, et al. Cost benefit for assessment of intermediate coronary stenosis with fractional flow reserve in public and private sectors in Australia. Heart Lung Circ 2014; 23: 807-810.
- 3. Harper RW, Nasis A, Sundararajan V. How changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule could improve the practice of cardiology and save taxpayer money. Med J Aust 2015; 6: 256-258. <MJA full text>
- 4. Harper RW, Ko BS. A new algorithm for the management of stable coronary artery disease incorporating CT coronary angiography and fractional flow reserve: how we can improve outcomes and reduce costs. Med J Aust 2011; 194: 186-189. <MJA full text>
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