THE EFFECT OF PLAQUE MORPHOLOGY ON CAP STRESSES IN CORONARY ARTERIES

摘要

This study investigated the influence of plaque morphology on peak cap stresses by employing a representative number of atherosclerotic human coronary plaques (n=80). In comparison to the previous studies, not only the effect of the geometric features of cap region but also whole plaque morphology was investigated. Moreover, the intima stiffness range reported in literature was covered and initial stresses were incorporated in the computations. The present study shows the complex interplay of plaque geometric features for cap stresses. Current in-vivo imaging modalities do not allow to image deeper plaque structures such as adventitia. However, in addition to cap thickness, other geometric parameters like intima and adventitia thickness and lumen shape irregularity should be incorporated in the biomechanical models for better peak cap stress predictions.