Patent ID: 8696584
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of determining a fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining measurements of an inner luminal organ diameter proximal to a stenosis, an inner luminal organ diameter at the stenosis, an inner luminal organ diameter distal to the stenosis, and a length of the stenosis; obtaining a pressure drop measurement at the stenosis using a catheter having a known outer diameter; calculating a volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis based upon the pressure drop measurement at the stenosis using the catheter, the inner luminal organ diameter proximal to the stenosis, the inner lumen diameter distal to the stenosis, the length of the stenosis, and a difference between the known outer diameter of the catheter and a known outer diameter of a guidewire; and determining a stenotic pressure drop at the stenosis corresponding to dimensions of the guidewire as a function of the calculated volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, wherein the stenotic pressure drop is indicative of a fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis.