St Jude Medical study shows benefits of FFR-guided PCI

St Jude Medical has announced results from a landmark study showing the long-term benefits of fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

Five-year results from the FAME trial have confirmed the long-term benefits of FFR in guiding PCI over angiography alone, delivering reductions in mortality rates and use of healthcare resources among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.

FFR guidance using St Jude Medical's PressureWire technology was also shown to lead to more favourable treatment and clinical decision-making, resulting in fewer events in the first two years and a sustained benefit up to five years.

The technique is used to provide physicians with a detailed analysis of blood flow blockages, allowing them to make decisions on how to best keep the artery expanded to restore blood flow, and to determine whether coronary intervention is necessary.

Mark Carlson, chief medical officer at St Jude Medical, said: "This study has continued to demonstrate that St Jude Medical's PressureWire technology can improve patient outcomes and the clinical benefits of PCI, while reducing costs for the healthcare system."