Identification of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using IVUS-based thermal strain imaging.
Pathology and autopsy studies have demonstrated that sudden disruption of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is responsible for most acute coronary syndromes. These plaques are characterized by a lipid-rich core with abundant inflammatory cells and a thin fibrous cap. Thermal strain imaging (TSI) using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been proposed for high-risk arterial plaque detection, in which image contrast results from the temperature dependence of sound speed. It has the potential to distinguish a lipid-laden lesion from the arterial vascular wall due to its strong contrast between water-bearing and lipid-bearing tissue. Initial simulations indicate plaque identification is possible for a 1 degrees C temperature rise. A phantom experiment using an IVUS imaging array further supports the concept, and results agree reasonably well with prediction.
Shi
Yan
Y
University of Michigan, Biomedical Engineering Department, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125, USA. yans@umich.edu
Witte
Russell S
RS
O'Donnell
Matthew
M
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008872:Microwaves; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*