St. Vincent’s Private Hospital perform all invasive diagnostic or interventional procedures in our Cardiac Catheterisation Lab (Cath Lab).

Patients referred to the Cardiac Cath Lab will be admitted under the care of a Consultant Cardiologist, who will perform all invasive diagnostic or interventional procedures. There is no need for patients to bring referral documentation on the day of the procedure.
Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)

A Fractional Flow Reserve (Pressure Wire) test is used when there is a question of whether a stent is the most appropriate treatment for a patient.

Although a coronary artery may look narrow, blood supply to the heart may not be significantly decreased, meaning that a stent may not improve the patient outcome. This test may be performed as part of an angiogram procedure. A small pressure sensor will be introduced to the narrowed artery and a medication called adenosine will be administered. This medication will cause an increase in the heart rate and blood flow, which may feel very unpleasant, however, this lasts only a very short time (usually less than thirty seconds) and disappears as soon as the medication is stopped.

While the heart rate and blood flow are increased, a measurement can be taken, indicating whether the blood flow through the narrowed artery is sufficient to provide oxygen to the heart muscle. If so, a stent may not be necessary, and your condition may be managed using medication. If the flow is decreased significantly, an PCI (angioplasty) may be performed.

For further information, contact our Cardiology Department.