Assessing the Left Main Stem in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. What is “Significant”? Function, Imaging or both?

Revascularization of significant Left Main Stem (LMS) disease improves clinical outcomes. This can be achieved through either Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting or Percutaneous coronary intervention. Defining a significant stenosis of the LMS can be challenging and debatable, as most data have been derived using angiographic assessment alone, with a threshold of 50% luminal stenosis used as a marker of functional significance. The use of adjunctive technologies like Intravascular Ultrasound and Fractional Flow Reserve has improved our ability to accurately assess the anatomical severity and physiological significance of coronary artery stenoses, much more so, than can be achieved through conventional angiography alone.
Source: Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research