In the management of coronary artery disease, determining which blockages truly limit blood flow is crucial for optimal treatment decisions. Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), a specialized diagnostic technique mastered by Dr. Vijay Bang at Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, has transformed how interventional cardiologists assess the functional significance of coronary stenoses.
FFR measures the pressure difference across a coronary artery stenosis during maximum blood flow, providing a physiological assessment of whether a blockage is actually restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. This functional evaluation goes beyond what traditional angiography can reveal, often preventing unnecessary stenting procedures while ensuring truly flow-limiting lesions receive appropriate intervention.
“Angiography alone can sometimes be misleading,” explains Dr. Bang, who has performed thousands of FFR-guided interventions during his 30+ year career. “A stenosis that appears severe anatomically may not significantly impair blood flow, while a moderate-looking stenosis might cause substantial ischemia. FFR provides objective evidence to guide our treatment decisions.”
The clinical benefits of FFR-guided intervention have been well-documented in landmark studies showing reduced rates of death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization compared to angiography-guided strategies. As one of Mumbai’s most experienced practitioners of this technique, Dr. Bang incorporates FFR assessment into his comprehensive approach to coronary artery disease management.
What distinguishes Dr. Bang’s FFR approach is his integration of this physiological assessment with advanced coronary imaging like OCT/IVUS, creating a comprehensive evaluation strategy that considers both the functional and anatomical aspects of coronary disease. This multifaceted assessment leads to more personalized treatment plans with superior long-term outcomes.
As a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and with specialized training in interventional physiology (FSCAI), Dr. Bang frequently shares his expertise in FFR-guided interventions as Course Director for the INDIA ACT CONFERENCE. His commitment to evidence-based practice has established him as the best cardiologist in Mumbai for physiologically-guided coronary interventions.
Patients with coronary artery disease seeking the most advanced and personalized treatment approach should consider consulting Dr. Vijay Bang for FFR-guided assessment. Appointments at Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre can be scheduled by calling +91 9820030363 or visiting https://heartguruindia.com.