Fusion of Histology and Shear Stress Based on In Vivo Images

Evidence is accumulating for a role of high wall shear stress (WSS) in plaque destabilization, leading to plaque rupture [1–2]. To study this in detail we can use carotid plaques that are removed during surgery. The in vivo WSS distribution can be obtained by combining 3D lumen data, derived from pre-operative CT angiography (CTA) imaging, with computational fluid dynamics. Plaque composition can be studied by means of histological processing. Accurate registration of CT imaging with histology is an essential step to study the relationship between WSS and plaque composition.