Corrected timi frame count : time to replace the TIMI flow?

Abstract Background Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade had been widely accepted method for evaluating coronary artery perfusion following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Besides, TIMI flow used to predicts outcome in ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEACS) underwent Primary PCI (PPCI). However, its subjective nature has led to the exploration of more objective measures such as the Corrected TIMI Frame Count (CTFC), which quantifies coronary flow by counting the number of cine frames required for contrast to reach distal coronary landmarks. Purpose This study aims to assess the predictive value of CTFC in comparison with TIMI flow grades for clinical outcomes in STEACS undergoing PPCI, and whether CTFC could serve as a superior prognostic tool. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from electronic medical record, involving STEACS patients underwent PPCI. Post-procedure, patient with TIMI flow grades 3, CTFC was measured. Patients were followed up during hospitalization for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate CTFC with clinical outcomes. Result A total of 263 patients with TIMI flow 3 were analyzed, 54.5% patient with CTFC ≤27 and >27 respectively. MACE was 5.3% and 21% in the CTFC ≤27 and >27In the regression model analysis indicates a significant relationship between CTFC and MACE was found. The correlation coefficient (R) was observed at 0.417, with the model explaining 17.4% of the variance in MACE occurrence (R Square = .174), and an Adjusted R Square of .171, indicating a modest but significant predictive power. The ANOVA confirmed the model's statistical significance with an F value of 55.067 (p < .001). This suggests that CTFC is a significant predictor of MACE in patients post-PPCI with TIMI 3 flow, underscoring its potential utility in clinical prognostication. Conclusion CTFC appears to be a promising tool in assessing coronary flow post-PCI and may be considered as a additional for TIMI flow grading in predicting clinical outcomes in ACS patients. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and to explore the integration of CTFC into clinical practice