Finite element modeling of atherosclerotic plaques

2D finite element models were used to determined how lesion stress is affected by finite element model assumptions and deviations in plaque geometry and material properties from mean values. The 20%, 30% and 40% stenosis geometries were based histological analysis of 625 coronary plaques studied in the Pathobiological Development of Atherosclerosis in Youth study. Significant error in finite element prediction scan occur if a large strain analysis and nonlinear material properties are not used. For each stenosis value, the mid-cap stress and shoulder stress are most sensitive to 10% change in a geometric feature, either cap thickness or lipid volume, rather a 10% change in cap or lipid stiffness. The largest sensitivity to most parameters occurs at 30% stenosis.