Characterization of the Atherosclerotic Plaque Tissue

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory CVD associated with the accumulation of plaque activated by the complex interactions between systemic, hemodynamic and biological factors. Thus, identification of plaque vulnerability is essential for the prevention of acute events and treatment of the disease. Despite, advanced imaging technologies, patient-specific computational simulations and availability of experimental data, there are still challenges in developing accurate risk stratification techniques. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the carotid plaque components structurally (histological analysis and immunostaining), mechanically (Nanoindentation tests) and chemically (Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) micro-spectroscopy). The preliminary results showed that arterial remodelling is a dynamic interaction between mechanical forces and plaque progression. The biological content and comp