Characterization of Calcified Plaques Retrieved From Occluded Arteries and Comparison With Potential Artificial Analogues

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This disease includes chronic total occlusion (CTO), which is a complete blockage of an artery. Unlike partial occlusions, CTOs are difficult to cross percutaneously using conventional guidewires (thin and flexible wires) because of the fibrotic and calcified nature of the blockage. The lack of data regarding the mechanical properties of CTO limits the development of new technologies in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI). In this study, calcified plaques retrieved from occluded arteries are analyzed in order to better understand their mechanical properties and to help propose an artificial analogue. Calcified plaques samples were collected from the superficial femoral artery wall within one hour following a lower limb amputation surgery. These samples were studied to determine their composition and mechanical properties. The same characterization procedures were performed on various potential artificial analogues. These analogues include three plaster materials and dense hydroxyapatite blocks. The results were then compared with those of the calcified plaques in order to determine the more favorable analogue. This mechanical analysis and the proposal of a potential analogue for the calcified plaques found in occluded arteries could benefit the development of new technologies and devices in the field PCI and PPI.