Identification of coronary plaque mechanical properties from ex vivo testing

The biomechanical condition of coronary plaques is governed by the stress and strength distribution. To determine the stress distribution, finite element modeling is often used. Application of this method crucially relies on adequate assessment of the material properties of the plaque components. The mechanically relevant components and what is known about their intrinsic properties are discussed in this chapter. Furthermore, an overview and comparison of the relevant studies that quantified material properties of atherosclerotic coronary arteries using traditional engineering approaches are presented. An alternative approach, using more physiologic loading conditions and avoiding tissue handling issues, to obtain the material properties was recently developed and is summarized in this chapter. The final section of this chapter constitutes the initial resulting properties for atherosclerotic human coronary arteries and a description of hybrid numerical-experimental approach that can be applied for local strength assessment.