A methodology to study the morphologic changes in lesions during in vitro angioplasty using MRI and image processing
M Auer1, P Regitnig, R Stollberger
1Graz University of Technology, Institute for Biomechanics, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Kronesgasse 5-I, 8010 Graz, Austria.
Medical Image Analysis
|November 9, 2007
Summary
This study introduces a 3D modeling method to assess atherosclerotic plaque changes during angioplasty. The technique enhances understanding of plaque mechanics and improves finite element models for predicting procedure outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Assessing morphologic changes in atherosclerotic lesions during transluminal balloon angioplasty is clinically crucial.
- Existing methods lack realistic simulation of in vivo conditions for angioplasty procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a methodology for realistic 3D morphomechanical modeling of vessels and atherosclerotic plaques during in vitro angioplasty.
- To develop a novel device for controlled experimental angioplasty, mimicking in vivo conditions.
- To investigate the biomechanical effects of balloon angioplasty on human femoral arteries.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel device to replicate in vivo angioplasty conditions (axial pre-stretch, pressure, temperature, unconstrained balloon inflation).
- Utilized a 1.5T MR system for multi-spectral imaging at various angioplasty stages.
- Employed NURBS-based 3D geometric modeling with automated segmentation (generalized gradient vector flow active contours) for vessel and plaque components.
- Conducted histopathological analysis and biomechanical tests on 10 human femoral arteries.
Main Results:
- Generated 3D morphomechanical models of vessel and plaque components at different balloon pressures.
- Observed significant lumen area increase post-angioplasty in obstructed human femoral arteries.
- Identified dissection between intima and media, and lipid pool reduction as primary dilatation mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The proposed methodology enables realistic 3D morphomechanical modeling of atherosclerotic plaques during angioplasty.
- This approach provides a foundation for studying plaque biomechanics under high loading conditions.
- The methodology can improve and validate finite element models for better prediction of angioplasty outcomes.
