Fractional flow reserve: A predictive model with reconstructed geometry of coronary arteries

The most common type of heart disease that affects millions of people worldwide is coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease). It is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the arteries due to plaque which restricts blood flow, and reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart [1]. Several tools are used that aid physicians in the treatment of the disease. Angiogram, which represents an X-ray examination of the blood vessels in the heart, is traditional tool. A fractional flow reserve (FFR) indicates the severity of blood flow blockages in the coronary arteries and allows physicians to identify which specific lesion or lesions are responsible for patient ischemia. FFR is measured by a pressure sensor guidewire [2]. In this paper, the mathematical model for measuring FFR is derived. This model helps to measure values of FFR, by noninvasive methods, only by using reconstructed geometry of coronary arteries with stenosis.