Intravascular Imaging and Haemodynamics

Abstract

Shear stress on the endothelial surface has been implicated in atherosclerosis localization, plaque vulnerability, and remodeling behavior of the arterial wall, as well as in-stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary interventions. The purposes of this chapter are to introduce haemodynamic shear stress, briefly explain the methodology for measuring and imaging shear stress in vivo, present the role of shear stress in the atherosclerotic disease process, and cite the evidence highlighting the effects of stent implantation on local blood flow patterns and linking shear stress at the stent surface to neointimal hyperplasia following coronary artery stenting.