Optimization of Intravascular Shear Stress and Oxidative Stress Assessment in Vivo

To assess shear stress in the tortuous and dynamic arterial circulation, we developed polymer- and catheter-based sensors that are both flexible and deployable. The flexible MEMS device provides an entry point to address spatial and temporal components of shear stress in the complicated arterial configuration. Theoretical and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses were performed. Fluoroscope and angiogram provided the geometry of aorta, and the Doppler ultrasound provided the pulsatile velocity for the boundary conditions. The development of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-scale sensors in our group have provided a means to undertake study of atherogenic hemodynamics and vascular oxidative stress in localizing early atherosclerosis.