Computational Analysis of Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability Due to Hemodynamic Effects

Atherosclerotic plaque rupture has been extensively associated with acute myocardial infarctions, the leading cause of death in developed countries. When a plaque ruptures in the coronary arteries, it often leads to a clot formation that restricts the flow of blood downstream of the coronaries causing damage to the myocardial tissue. Hemodynamic factors combined with certain plaque morphologies and material properties play an important role in the mechanical failure of the plaque [1]. It is essential for clinicians to understand the vulnerability of plaques and the particular physiological conditions that lead to their mechanical failure. Our study focused on understanding the physical interaction between blood flow, plaque morphology and tissue properties to assess the plaque’s degree of vulnerability.