Comparing RFR and FFR to predict outcomes after heart stenting

Pullback wIth Resting Full-Cycle Flow ratIO or Fractional Flow Reserve for the Prediction of Post-PCI Hemodynamic Outcomes. A Study in Patients With Diffuse Coronary Artery Disease

Phase 4 Interventional Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz · NCT04417634

This study is testing if a new way of measuring blood flow can better predict how patients with coronary artery disease will do after getting heart stents compared to the standard method.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohannes Gutenberg University Mainz Academic / other
Locations1 site (Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz)
Trial IDNCT04417634 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous resting full-cycle flow ratio (RFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in predicting hemodynamic outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery disease. It will compare the accuracy of RFR and FFR gradients in forecasting changes in whole-vessel RFR/FFR after stenting. The study seeks to establish a threshold in the RFR/FFR gradient that can predict pathological outcomes after PCI. By utilizing resting indexes, the study aims to provide a less invasive alternative to traditional methods that require hyperemia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 18 and older with a clinical indication for elective PCI of a stenosis between 40% and 90%.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiogenic shock, contraindications to PCI, or severe lesions (>90%) will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction of patient outcomes after heart stenting, enhancing treatment strategies for coronary artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that FFR-guided PCI is superior to angiography-guided PCI, indicating potential success for this novel approach using RFR.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must meet ALL of the inclusion criteria:

  * Clinical indication for elective percutaneous coronary intervention of a stenosis \>40% and \<90% with clinical indication to percutaneous intervention (PCI) requiring functional assessment. Note: the decision to perform functional assessment will have to be taken before, and independently of, the inclusion and randomization in the study.
  * Documented heart team (when applicable, as per guidelines) decision for revascularization via PCI
  * Patient ≥18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be excluded if ANY of the exclusion criteria is met:

  * Cardiogenic shock
  * Any contraindication to PCI according to guidelines
  * Presence of a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the territory under study
  * Culprit vessels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
  * TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow grade \< 3
  * Lesion severity \> 90% by visual assessment
  * Presence of thrombus
  * Participation in another randomized interventional study
  * Patient unable to give informed consent
  * Women of child-bearing potential or lactating

Where this trial is running

Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery Diseasestentcoronary stenosisAngina
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.