Role of three-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography in percutaneous coronary intervention

The quantitative coronary angiography(QCA) has been the gold standard to evaluate coronary artery stenosis for a long time, and to determine the length and diameter of implanted stent. With the application of three-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography(3 DQCA), more and more clinical practices have shown that 3 DQCA can provide more accurate and reliable assessments of vessel dimensions and geometry for interventional purposes, including lesion length, stenosis severity, bifurcation optimal viewing angles, when compared to conventional coronary angiography. Multicenter studies confirm that the quantitative blood flow fraction(QFR) based on 3 DQCA is in good agreement with FFR, and it is also accurate in determining hemodynamic significance of a lesion and identifying myocardial ischemia. This paper reviews the basic concept, principle, clinical research progress, advantages and disadvantages and application prospect of 3 DQCA.