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Estimation of Nonlinear Mechanical Properties of Vascular Tissues via Elastography

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Cardiovascular Engineering

Abstract

A new method is proposed for estimation of nonlinear elastic properties of soft tissues. The proposed approach involves a combination of nonlinear finite element methods with a genetic algorithm for estimating tissue stiffness profile. A multipoint scheme is introduced that satisfies the uniqueness condition, improves the estimation performance, and reduces the sensitivity to image noise. The utility of the proposed techniques is demonstrated using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. The approach is, however, applicable to other imaging systems and modalities, as well, provided a reliable image registration scheme. The proposed algorithm is applied to realistic (2D) and idealized (3D) arterial plaque models, and proves promising for the estimation of intra-plaque distribution of nonlinear material properties.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (Grant 5-R01-HL70039). Fruitful discussions with Dr. Roger D. Kamm are gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    Reza Karimi & Ting Zhu

  2. Department of Bioengineering, University of California, 208A Stanley Hall #1762, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA

    Reza Karimi & Mohammad R. Kaazempur Mofrad

  3. Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, 02114

    Brett E. Bouma

Authors
  1. Reza Karimi
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  2. Ting Zhu
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  3. Brett E. Bouma
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  4. Mohammad R. Kaazempur Mofrad
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Correspondence to Mohammad R. Kaazempur Mofrad.

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Karimi, R., Zhu, T., Bouma, B.E. et al. Estimation of Nonlinear Mechanical Properties of Vascular Tissues via Elastography. Cardiovasc Eng 8, 191–202 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10558-008-9061-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10558-008-9061-0

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