A Theoretical Framework of Pulse Wave Imaging on Plaque Characterization

This study combined fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of arteries with different plaque stiffness and blood flow with FIELD-II ultrasound simulations to provide a framework for performance testing of Pulse Wave Imaging (PWI) techniques. High correlations were found between wall displacements of FIELD-II simulated PWI estimates and FSI true wall displacements. Pulse marker tracking showed increasing pulse wave velocity and decreasing R-squared fitting with plaque stiffening between the FSI and FIELD-II-II cases. Vector flow imaging also showed good correlation in flow pattern at pulse upstroke. Overall, a PWI simulation framework providing variable plaque geometry, arterial stiffness, and flow information was developed. Validation with FSI ground truth demonstrated great potentials in PWI techniques.