Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a useful modality to assess the functional significance of
coronary stenoses. Although
adenosine triphosphate (
ATP) is generally used as the hyperemic stimulus, we sometimes encounter adverse events like
hypotension during FFR measurement.
Nicorandil, an
ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, recognized as an epicardial and resistance
vessel dilator, has not been fully evaluated as a possible alternative hyperemic agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intracoronary
nicorandil infusion compared to intravenous
ATP for FFR measurement in patients with
coronary artery disease. A total of 102 patients with 124 intermediate lesions (diameter
stenosis >40 and <70% by visual assessment) were enrolled. All vessels underwent FFR measurements with both
ATP (150 μg/kg/min) and
nicorandil (2.0 mg) stimulus. FFR, hemodynamic values, and periprocedural adverse events between the two groups were evaluated. A strong correlation was observed between FFR with
ATP and FFR with
nicorandil (r = 0.954, p < 0.001). The agreement between the two sets of measurements was also high, with a mean difference of 0.01 ± 0.03. The mean aortic pressure drop during pharmacological stimulus was significantly larger with
ATP compared to
nicorandil (9.6 ± 9.6 vs. 5.5 ± 5.8 mmHg, p < 0.001). During FFR measurement, transient
atrioventricular block was frequently observed with
ATP compared to
nicorandil (4.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.024). This study suggests that intracoronary
nicorandil infusion is associated with clinical utility and safety compared to
ATP as an alternative hyperemic agent for FFR measurement.