Francesco Maria Sparasci

Dr. Francesco Maria Sparasci

Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 November 2025 in Circulation: Heart Failure
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CGCosmo Godino
Cosmo Godino
ASAntonio Sisinni
Antonio Sisinni
LRLuca Raone
Luca Raone
FSFrancesco Maria Sparasci
Francesco Maria Sparasci
AMAndrea Munafò
Andrea Munafò
SCSergio Caravita
Sergio Caravita
Recent findings emphasize the potential role of invasive hemodynamic assessment in guiding transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve percutaneous interventions. Right heart catheterization-derived parameters offer insights into hemodynamic changes associated with valvular heart diseases, pulmonary hypertension phenotyping, and right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling. This might improve prognostic stratification for candidates to transcatheter therapies. This review provides a clinical overview of available data regarding the utility of preoperative right heart catheterization-derived parameters in patients undergoing mitral and tricuspid percutaneous repair or replacement.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FSFrancesco Maria Sparasci
Francesco Maria Sparasci
LRLuca Raone
Luca Raone
Mario IannacconeMario Iannaccone
Mario Iannaccone
CGCosmo Godino
Cosmo Godino
Alessandro Mandurino-MirizziAlessandro Mandurino-Mirizzi
Alessandro Mandurino-Mirizzi
Background/Objectives: Invasive coronary physiology has evolved from a tool for assessing intermediate stenoses to a comprehensive framework for guiding diagnosis and treatment across the spectrum of coronary artery disease (CAD). This review aims to provide an updated, catheterization laboratory-centered overview of contemporary invasive coronary physiology, emphasizing its role in optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and in evaluating patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA). Methods: A narrative review of contemporary evidence, including randomized trials, consensus documents, and guideline recommendations, was conducted. Key physiological indices—fractional flow reserve (FFR), non-hyperemic pressure ratios (NHPRs), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR)—were examined alongside emerging tools such as longitudinal vessel analysis and the pullback pressure gradient (PPG). Applications in pre- and post-PCI assessment, physiology–imaging integration, and comprehensive functional testing in ANOCA/INOCA were evaluated. Results: Physiology-guided PCI improves clinical outcomes and resource utilization compared with angiography-guided strategies. Longitudinal vessel assessment and PPG enable characterization of focal versus diffuse CAD, improving procedural planning and prediction of post-PCI physiological results. Post-PCI physiological assessment identifies residual ischemia and guides optimization strategies. In patients without obstructive CAD, combined assessment of microvascular function and vasomotor reactivity allows identification of distinct pathophysiological endotypes, supporting mechanism-based, individualized therapy. Integration with intracoronary imaging further enhances procedural precision. Conclusions: Contemporary invasive coronary physiology provides a multidimensional approach integrating epicardial, microvascular, and vasomotor domains. This framework supports personalized decision-making, optimizes revascularization, and reduces unnecessary interventions, representing a cornerstone of modern coronary care.

30 July 2026 in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FSFrancesco Maria Sparasci
Francesco Maria Sparasci
ACAlessandro Cafaro
Alessandro Cafaro
DFDionigi Fischetti
Dionigi Fischetti
Alessandro Mandurino-MirizziAlessandro Mandurino-Mirizzi
Alessandro Mandurino-Mirizzi
Background: Management of heavily calcified coronary lesions remains challenging despite advances in plaque‐modifying technologies. Excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) is an effective adjunctive strategy with a low risk of no‐reflow. Case Summary: A 75‐year‐old woman with non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and severe left ventricular dysfunction, previously treated with thoracic radiotherapy, underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of a calcified left anterior descending artery lesion. Optical coherence tomography revealed an eruptive calcified nodule with thrombus and a concentric stenosis. ELCA was selected to minimize distal embolization; however, the procedure was complicated by multiple coronary perforations requiring covered stent implantation. Discussion: This case suggests that coronary perforation during ELCA may result from the interplay between lesion complexity, procedural factors, and radiation‐related vessel wall remodeling.