Comparing FFR-Guided Complete Revascularization and Conservative Management for Non-Culprit Lesions in STEMI Patients With Multivessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease, the optimal management strategy for non-culprit lesions is a subject of ongoing debate. There has been an increasing use of physiology-guidance to assess the extent of occlusion in non-culprit lesions, and hence the need for stenting. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is commonly used as a technique. This analysis compares FFR versus conservative management in the management of non-culprit lesions in STEMI patients with multivessel disease.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on databases from inception to May 25, 2024. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis using RevMan version 5.3.0, employing the Der-Simonian and Laird method to combine the data.

Results: The analysis of five RCTs including 3759 patients revealed a significantly lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and the need for repeat revascularization [PCI or CABG]) in the FFR group compared to the conservative management group (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.96, p = 0.03). The revascularization rates were significantly lower in the FFR group (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.66, p < 0.00001). Additionally, unplanned hospitalization leading to urgent repeat revascularization and any cause hospitalization were significantly lower in the FFR group (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56-0.94, p = 0.01), and (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46-0.84, p = 0.002), respectively. The FFR group had a higher risk of definite stent thrombosis (RR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.10-4.64, p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, or myocardial infarction. Similarly, bleeding rates, cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion: Our findings support FFR-guided PCI to manage non-culprit lesions in STEMI patients with multivessel disease as it is potentially safe, with comparable rates of bleeding, CVAs and CIN. It also improves clinical outcomes, as well as reduces revascularization and hospitalization rates. The risk of stent thrombosis remains a concern, and hence the decision making for FFR-guided complete revascularization should take into account the complexity/risk of the procedure, as well as the patients' individual co-morbidities and preferences.