The fibrous cap is a protective layer of connective tissue that covers the core of an atherosclerotic plaque. The rupture of this layer has been commonly associated with acute myocardial infarctions. The thickness of ...The fibrous cap is a protective layer of connective tissue that covers the core of an atherosclerotic plaque. The rupture of this layer has been commonly associated with acute myocardial infarctions. The thickness of the fibrous cap, the percentage of stenosed area, and the stiffness of the core were studied (commonly associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics) to quantify their effects on the cap’s mechanical stress state by performing analyses using computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methods. The mechanical stress levels are significantly increased within the fibrous cap structure at the upstream side of the plaque. As expected, the highest stresses occurred for a severe stenosis and a thin fibrous cap. Interestingly, a weak structural support such as a soft lipid pool beneath the fibrous cap allowed for the hemodynamic pressure gradient forces to displace the fibrous cap in the direction of the flow, resulting in higher strains and thus higher mechanical stresses in the upstream portion of the plaque cap, potentially increasing the risk of cap rupture. The peak stress behavior of the most critical cases (thin fibrous cap and soft lipid core) at various degrees of stenosis was analyzed. For mid-range stenosis from 43% to 75%, there was a plateau region revealing that mild and moderate plaques were quickly exposed to the high stress condition of severe plaques. In conclusion, the particular combination of a mild to severe stenosis, a thin fibrous cap and a soft lipid core resulted in the highest mechanical stresses calculated at the proximal side of the plaque. Mild and moderate plaques can be subjected to stresses similar to severe plaques, possibly contributing to their rupture.展开更多
With the invention of coronary stent, promising clinical outcomes appeared. However, the long-term success of stent has been beaten by significant in-stent restenosis and consequently stents fractures (SF). Cardiologi...With the invention of coronary stent, promising clinical outcomes appeared. However, the long-term success of stent has been beaten by significant in-stent restenosis and consequently stents fractures (SF). Cardiologists have been looking on SF as a threat to patients’ life because it is associated with short- and possibly long-term morbidity rate. In this review, stent materials and properties from the perspective of materials engineering and clinical drivers are discussed. The review also outlines how stent materials and design have evolved with time. Opinions are given as to the merit and direction of various on-going and future developments.展开更多
文摘The fibrous cap is a protective layer of connective tissue that covers the core of an atherosclerotic plaque. The rupture of this layer has been commonly associated with acute myocardial infarctions. The thickness of the fibrous cap, the percentage of stenosed area, and the stiffness of the core were studied (commonly associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics) to quantify their effects on the cap’s mechanical stress state by performing analyses using computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methods. The mechanical stress levels are significantly increased within the fibrous cap structure at the upstream side of the plaque. As expected, the highest stresses occurred for a severe stenosis and a thin fibrous cap. Interestingly, a weak structural support such as a soft lipid pool beneath the fibrous cap allowed for the hemodynamic pressure gradient forces to displace the fibrous cap in the direction of the flow, resulting in higher strains and thus higher mechanical stresses in the upstream portion of the plaque cap, potentially increasing the risk of cap rupture. The peak stress behavior of the most critical cases (thin fibrous cap and soft lipid core) at various degrees of stenosis was analyzed. For mid-range stenosis from 43% to 75%, there was a plateau region revealing that mild and moderate plaques were quickly exposed to the high stress condition of severe plaques. In conclusion, the particular combination of a mild to severe stenosis, a thin fibrous cap and a soft lipid core resulted in the highest mechanical stresses calculated at the proximal side of the plaque. Mild and moderate plaques can be subjected to stresses similar to severe plaques, possibly contributing to their rupture.
文摘With the invention of coronary stent, promising clinical outcomes appeared. However, the long-term success of stent has been beaten by significant in-stent restenosis and consequently stents fractures (SF). Cardiologists have been looking on SF as a threat to patients’ life because it is associated with short- and possibly long-term morbidity rate. In this review, stent materials and properties from the perspective of materials engineering and clinical drivers are discussed. The review also outlines how stent materials and design have evolved with time. Opinions are given as to the merit and direction of various on-going and future developments.
