Backgrounds: Exercise electrocardiogram, myocardial scanning and multi-slice computed tomography (CT) have been used to screening coronary artery disease (CAD), although there are several limitations such as intolerability, relatively high cost as well as relatively poor specificity. We assessed the efficacy and safety of Coronary Analyzer KH-3000TM developed for non-invasive screening for CAD.
Methods: Study subjects consisted of 34 consecutive patients (mean 60.8 years old, 18 males) with stable angina who underwent coronary angiogram and measurement with the new device 1day before coronary angiogram. The new device divided the study subjects into 4 groups (healthy, low probability, high probability and positive for CAD) depending on coronary blood flow, compliance and resistance which was derived from modified Frank and McDonald formula using pressure curve of aortic arch which was again derived from pulse wave of the carotid artery and radiofrequency signals of the brachial artery pulse.
Results: The accurate measurement was possible in 32 patients (94.1%). Coronary angiography showed 16 patients with significant CAD (more than 50% narrowing of at least 1 major epicardial coronary artery) and 16 insignificant CAD. When we divided into 2 groups (negative for healthy and low probability, positive for high probability and positive result), the sensitivity and specificity of the new device were 68.8% (13/16) and 81.3% (11/16), respectively.
Conclusions: Coronary analyzer KH-3000TM is promising tool in screening for CAD due to its non-invasiveness, short examination time (10 minutes), no need for exercise, and low cost compared to exercise ECG, myocardial scanning and multi-slice CT.
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