Many patients undergo cardiac CT scans of the coronary arteries, either as part of early detection of atherosclerosis or following a clinical referral by a primary care physician or cardiologist. Sometimes, this scan does not provide a definitive answer as to whether there is truly a problem in the coronary arteries. Is a cardiac catheterization necessary, or can you simply relax and avoid the procedure? Virtual FFR-CT interpretation is the precise , advanced and non-invasive solution to answer these questions.
FFR-CT stands for Fractional Flow Reserve – Computed Tomography. It is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the physiological impact of coronary artery stenosis (narrowing) by combining coronary CT angiography (CTA) data with computational fluid dynamics to estimate fractional flow reserve (FFR).
FFR-CT interpretation uses smart and innovative technology that allows radiologists to assess the coronary arteries seen in a cardiac CT scan and determine whether blood flow through them is normal. Not every narrowing seen in the coronary arteries during a cardiac CT truly impairs heart function.
This is where the added value of FFR technology comes into play. FFR interpretation measures the real impact of the artery narrowing on blood flow to the heart muscle.
A cardiac CT scan is an advanced imaging test that allows evaluation of the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle. The scan is performed using a high-resolution computed tomography device, precisely timed with the cardiac cycle.
The test is designed for early detection of atherosclerosis, stenosis, calcifications, or blockages in the coronary arteries before clinical symptoms appear.
This non-invasive, outpatient procedure is quick and does not require hospitalization or special recovery. Sometimes, a contrast agent is used to enhance the diagnostic capability regarding coronary artery condition and function.
Cardiac CT is a crucial tool in therapeutic decision-making, whether for conservative monitoring, medication treatment, or referral for catheterization. It serves as a safe and advanced alternative for the initial evaluation of chest pain or coronary artery disease risk.
To schedule an FFR-CT interpretation of your cardiac CT scan, please visit the RDG website and open a secure personal account.
Within your personal account, you can upload your cardiac CT scan files along with other relevant medical documents—such as referrals, medical summaries, or recent blood tests.
Our system maintains the highest level of data privacy and allows us to perform an initial assessment of the scan’s suitability for virtual FFR analysis. Once eligibility is confirmed, our medical team will immediately begin processing the data and generate a precise physiological report based on the submitted images.
Within a few business days after completion, you will receive a professional medical report using FFR-CT technology, which includes an accurate analysis of blood flow in the coronary arteries, details on the significance and location of any narrowing, and a well-informed medical recommendation regarding the need for catheterization.
To schedule an FFR-CT interpretation, contact our service representative at 050-475-1120.
For any questions or assistance uploading your materials to the RDG medical center, our expert radiologists and staff are available by phone, email, or through the contact form on our website. We are here to guide you through the process and provide an accurate, safe, and reliable diagnosis—because your heart deserves it.
FFR interpretation following a cardiac CT is intended for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease, such as chest pain, exertional shortness of breath, or unexplained chronic fatigue.
FFR-CT technology is particularly suitable when the severity of coronary artery stenosis seen on routine cardiac CT is unclear. This unique technology provides an accurate physiological assessment of how the narrowing affects blood flow to the heart muscle.
Patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or a family history of heart disease, are ideal candidates for FFR-CT interpretation.
FFR-CT is also used as a subsequent step after a cardiac CT to decide whether invasive catheterization is warranted.
In cases of multiple coronary artery stenoses, FFR-CT helps identify which narrowings require medical intervention and which can be managed conservatively.
FFR-CT interpretation holds great clinical importance, as it enables precise assessment of whether coronary artery narrowing actually impairs blood flow to the heart muscle.
It provides crucial physiological information to differentiate between narrowings that require interventions such as catheterization and those that can be safely monitored.
Using FFR-CT with cardiac CT can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures like catheterization or stent placement when not medically justified.
When blood flow is impaired, FFR-CT precisely identifies the problematic coronary artery segment, allowing focused and effective treatment planning.
FFR-CT contributes to improved clinical outcomes, reduces complications, and better balances conservative management with interventional approaches such as catheterization or bypass surgery.
Therefore, FFR-CT interpretation is now considered one of the central tools for informed decision-making in modern cardiology.
FFR-CT interpretation is an essential complement to the anatomical information from a cardiac CT scan, providing physiological insight into coronary blood flow function.
While cardiac CT reveals vessel anatomy and stenosis severity, it cannot determine if the narrowing truly disrupts blood flow to the heart muscle.
FFR-CT assesses the hemodynamic consequences of coronary artery stenosis, distinguishing clinically significant narrowings requiring intervention from those without physiological burden that do not require treatment.
The combination of anatomical imaging with physiological evaluation through FFR-CT enables more accurate and informed therapeutic decisions, reducing the need for unnecessary diagnostic catheterizations.
FFR-CT allows precise planning of therapeutic interventions when needed by pinpointing the affected coronary artery segment and urgency of treatment.
Thus, combining cardiac CT with FFR-CT interpretation represents the most advanced and responsible approach to diagnosing ischemic heart disease today.
FFR-CT interpretation is simple and non-invasive. It requires only the cardiac CT scan results.
The cardiac CT data is processed using advanced medical artificial intelligence software that simulates blood flow in the heart, creating a detailed map showing exactly where blood flow is impaired in the coronary arteries.
This technology enables the radiologist to provide a highly advanced interpretation.
Importantly, FFR-CT does not require catheter insertion, anesthesia, or hospitalization.
The FFR-CT data is reviewed by a specialist radiologist who approves and writes the final report, which is then forwarded to the cardiologist.
The FFR-CT report is clear and precise, enabling your cardiologist to determine whether a problem requiring catheterization exists, and if so, where exactly.
It is important to emphasize that FFR-CT can prevent unnecessary cardiac catheterizations.
In cases where catheterization is needed, FFR-CT provides critical information about the exact location in the coronary arteries where a stent should be placed.
Using FFR-CT enhances the accuracy, focus, and safety of catheterization, reducing potential complications, shortening procedure duration, and minimizing risks and unnecessary radiation exposure.
At RDG Medical Center, we are proud to be the first in Israel to offer this advanced FFR-CT interpretation service.
FFR-CT cardiac CT interpretation is performed by senior, experienced radiologists specialized in cardiac imaging, combining clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a holistic view of each patient.
We believe that medical decisions should be based on facts, not suspicions. Therefore, we provide innovative and leading services for precise, safe, and personalized medicine.
We maintain close professional collaboration between our expert team and specialists from Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the Texas Heart Institute in Houston—one of the leading cardiology centers in the USA.
This collaboration allows us to consult international experts on complex cases, discussing particularly challenging patients together.
Benefits of this collaboration for our patients include:
This partnership reflects our commitment to providing every patient with the highest precision, knowledge, and medical support.
Our interpretation team includes an in-house cardiologist—each case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including cardiology and cardiac imaging experts with extensive experience, including a senior cardiologist as a permanent part of the interpretation team. This integration allows for precise, evidence-based clinical opinions right from the initial interpretation stage.
At RDG Medical Center, we carefully evaluate each patient’s suitability for virtual FFR-CT interpretation to ensure reliable, safe, and accurate results.
FFR interpretation of cardiac CT is not suitable for patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), large fistulas (over 1.5 mm), or cases where cardiac CT scan quality may be compromised.
Additionally, FFR-CT is not recommended for patients with coronary artery stents, pacemakers, artificial valves, or uncontrolled significant arrhythmias.
Each case is professionally and responsibly assessed individually by our medical team.