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FFR-guided complete revascularization reduces unplanned revascularization in MI patients with multivessel CAD

FFR-guided complete revascularization reduces unplanned revascularization in MI patients with multiv…
Photo by Martin Sanchez / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider FFR-guided complete revascularization for reduced unplanned revascularization in MI with multivessel CAD, but interpret cautiously due to heterogeneity.

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 3,054 patients with myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease during index hospitalization. It compared FFR-guided complete revascularization to culprit-only revascularization, with a follow-up of 12.0 months. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), with secondary outcomes including unplanned revascularization, recurrent MI, and major bleeding.

Main results showed that FFR-guided complete revascularization reduced the risk of unplanned revascularization (RR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21-0.87) and may reduce the risk of MACE (RR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.37-1.05) compared to culprit-only revascularization. For recurrent MI, there was no significant difference (RR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.61-1.33). Major bleeding occurred in 23 of 1,373 patients in the FFR-guided group and 29 of 1,681 in the culprit-only group, indicating low risk in both, though exact effect sizes were not reported.

Key limitations include high heterogeneity (I² = 90% for MACE and 88% for unplanned revascularization), with moderate heterogeneity for recurrent MI (I² = 30%). Safety data on serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability were not reported, and funding or conflicts were not disclosed. In practice, FFR-guided complete revascularization may reduce unplanned revascularizations and potentially MACE, but results should be interpreted with caution due to variability and incomplete safety profile.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
Sample sizen = 3,054
EvidenceLevel 1
Follow-up12.0 mo
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
In patients with myocardial infarctions (MI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), the effect of fractional flow-reserve (FFR)-guided complete revascularization during index hospitalization versus culprit-only revascularization remains unclear. Our objective is to determine whether FFR-guided complete revascularization during index hospitalization reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among patients with MI and multivessel CAD. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FFR-guided complete versus culprit-only revascularization in patients with MI and multivessel CAD. The primary outcome was MACE, as defined by a composite endpoint of all-cause death, MI or unplanned revascularization, at a minimum 1-year follow-up. Count data were pooled across trials using random-effects models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 3 RCTs (n = 3,054) were included. The majority (77.5%) of participants were male. The pooled RR of MACE for FFR-guide complete versus culprit-only revascularization was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37-1.05; I = 90%). FFR-guided complete revascularization was associated with reduced unplanned revascularization events, with a pooled RR 0.43 (95% CI: 0.21-0.87; I = 88%). There was no significant difference in the risk of recurrent MI (RR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.61-1.33; I =30%). The risk of major bleeding was low in both FFR-guided complete (23/1373) and culprit-only (29/1681) revascularization groups across the 3 trials. In conclusion, in patients with MI and multivessel CAD, FFR-guided complete revascularization during the index hospitalization reduces the risk of unplanned revascularizations and may reduce the risk of MACE compared to culprit-only revascularization.
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