The composition of vulnerable plaque and its effect on arterial waveforms

Carotid plaque composition is a key factor of plaque stability and it carries significant prognostic information. The carotid unstable plaques are characterized by a thin fibrous cap (FC)≤ 65 μ m with large lipid core (LC), while stable plaques have a thicker FC and less LC. Identifying the percentage of plaque compositions could help surgeons to make a precise decision for their patients’ treatment protocol. This study aims to distinguish between stable and unstable plaque by defining the relationship between plaque composition and arterial waveform non-invasively. An in-vitro arterial system, composed of a Harvard pulsatile flow pump and artificial circulation system, was used to investigate the effect of the plaque compositions on the pulsatile arterial waveforms. Five types of arterial plaques, composed of the LC, FC, Collagen (Col) and Calcium (Ca), were implemented into the artificial carotid artery to represent the …