Preoperative identification of the histologically “vulnerable” plaque using non-invasive imaging, biomechanical assessment and baroreflex evaluation in patients with severe carotid stenosis

Funder: Italian Ministry of Health

Duration of funding: 2020 – 2023

Grant ID: GR-2018-12366862

Lead institution: IRCCS Policlinico San Donato

Partners: Università degli Studi di Pavia

Project description

The assessment of carotid plaque vulnerability is a relevant clinical information that can help prevent adverse cerebrovascular events. Identifying patients with plaques that are likely to be vulnerable represents a crucial step for the risk stratification of patients requiring surgical intervention, as well as for detecting the early stages of unstable plaques, which continues to be a significant challenge. The aim of the project was to establish a reliable correlation between preoperative plaque vulnerability assessment, obtained through non-invasive methods, and the histological findings from surgically removed plaques.

Among the methods analysed, preoperative imaging techniques processing, 3D modelling and structural biomechanical analysis are valid means for better patient-specific preoperative risk stratification.