Development of 3D finite element analysis and imaging to predict human atherosclerotic plaque instability
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, known as plaques, form in the walls of our blood vessels, such as the coronary supplying the heart. Some of these plaques can rupture and create a blood clot, which can cause a heart attack. Cardiologists can already take ultrasound pictures of these plaques to see how large they are. However, identifying dangerous plaques, and therefore patients at imminent risk, is not yet easy to do. In this project, BHF Professor Martin Bennett and his team will work with biomechanical engineers to test a technique they have developed for 3D analysis of plaques from ultrasound images. The aim is to determine the amount of stress plaques are under, and their strength, to reveal how likely they are to rupture. The technique will be applied to past ultrasound footage for people who are known to have gone on to have a heart attack or not. This will allow the team to retrospectively assess whether the new 3D technique could be a good predictor of major heart problems. If so, this innovative test could identify those people at highest risk, and guide effective treatment.
Project details
| Grant amount | £270,198 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 May 2018 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/18/14/33562 |
| Status | In Progress |
