MICROCALCIFICATION ACTS AS A STRESS AND STRETCH AMPLIFIER IN THE CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE AFFECTING ITS VULNERABILITY--AN IVUS-BASED FINITE ELEMENT STUDY

摘要

The presence and distribution of microcalcifications significantly affects atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by increasing the local stress and stretch concentrations. Techniques detecting calcium size, location and distribution pattern will be essential for a more accurate plaque vulnerability assessment.