What does TIMI flow grade measure?

What does TIMI flow grade measure?

• A. Left ventricular ejection fraction
• B. Pulmonary arterial pressure
• C. Aortic valve regurgitation grade
• D. Coronary blood flow perfusion after occlusion or PCI; 0-3 with 3 being normal flow

Answer: (D)

TIMI flow grade measures how well blood actually moves through the coronary artery after blockage and after reperfusion therapy, as seen on angiography. It focuses on distal coronary perfusion, not on ventricular function or valve status. The scale runs from 0 to 3: 0 means no perfusion beyond the occlusion, 1 shows penetration without distal perfusion, 2 indicates partial or delayed perfusion of the distal bed, and 3 indicates normal, brisk flow. This is different from left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial pressure, or regurgitation grades, and it helps gauge how successful reperfusion has been and how the patient may fare.

TIMI flow grade measures how well blood actually moves through the coronary artery after blockage and after reperfusion therapy, as seen on angiography. It focuses on distal coronary perfusion, not on ventricular function or valve status. The scale runs from 0 to 3: 0 means no perfusion beyond the occlusion, 1 shows penetration without distal perfusion, 2 indicates partial or delayed perfusion of the distal bed, and 3 indicates normal, brisk flow. This is different from left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary arterial pressure, or regurgitation grades, and it helps gauge how successful reperfusion has been and how the patient may fare.