Catheter assessment of coronary blood flow and myocardial perfusion.

Recent advances in interventional cardiology have pointed out substantial limitations of traditional arteriography in assessing coronary artery anatomy and physiology, especially during the dilatation process. Numerous new techniques are currently being developed to allow visualization of luminal and mural processes, parameters of relative and absolute coronary blood flow, regional myocardial perfusion, and regions of risk. It is possible that the analysis of coronary cross-sectional area may be performed in the future using nonangiographic techniques. The legitimate diagnostic demands and widespread use of coronary angioplasty make it likely that the more promising of these techniques will be clinically available in the near future.