
Amsterdam-based Philips offers iFR as a pressure-derived index to assess coronary blockages during interventional procedures. iFR avoids the use of hyperemic agents — drugs that maximize blood flow but can impact the patient experience.
Dr. Matthias Götberg presented results from a longitudinal analysis at the 35th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) symposium. Götberg works in the Dept. of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences at Lund University, Sweden.
The study looked at the National Swedeheart Quality Registry of more than 42,000 patients undergoing coronary procedures. Results demonstrated no difference between iFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in major adverse cardiac events (MACE).
“These new findings once again confirm the safety of iFR. We continue to see that iFR-guided treatment offers consistent outcomes, reduces costs, and provides a better patient experience,” said Götberg. “The data from this new analysis provides additional confidence in the safety of iFR for physicians.”
The results from Philips
Previously published data for five-year outcomes of the randomized iFR-SWEDEHEART trial found iFR and FFR to be equally safe and effective with respect to risks for MACE.
Results presented by Götberg revealed more risk factors in the iFR group compared to the FFR group. However, when adjusted for known confounders, the analysis found no difference in five-year MACE between patients who underwent iFR- or FFR-guided revascularization (32.2% vs. 31.3%). The outcome proved similar in the individual components of MACE (death, heart attack, new revascularization) in both groups.
Philips said iFR is considered the gold standard for hyperemia-free physiologic assessment for measuring pressure in diagnostic and interventional procedures. Clinicians use the tools, coupled with angiographic images, to assess coronary blockages. By avoiding a hyperemic agent, though, iFR showed it can reduce patient discomfort by 95.7%. It enables also enables the detection of disease processes downstream from major blood vessels.
“We are confident in our pursuit of innovation to improve outcomes and ensure patient safety. The data continues to demonstrate the benefits of iFR-guided treatment to reduce costs and improve outcomes,” said Chris Landon, GM, Philips Image-Guided Therapy Devices. “iFR technology is unique to Philips, and we are proud to offer the global gold standard treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease.”