Cardiovascular Research



We are able to provide numerous cardiovascular imaging endpoints, ranging from mean and minimum lumen diameter in angiography studies to vascular plaque in compositional analysis. Our semi-automated techniques enable us to drastically reduce the time necessary to conduct 3D vessel modeling, a task that can take hours to analyze manually. Not only are we able to perform more effectively and efficiently, especially in larger trials, but, more importantly, the information we provide is a more accurate assessment of the vessel wall. Our expertise extends across multiple cardiovascular imaging modalities, including ultrasound, CT, and multiple pulse sequence MRI.

Modalities Used:

  • MR Angiography - look inside and outside vessels to assess the development of calcifications, plaques
  • Ultrasound - carotid and coronary arteries
  • MRI - vasculature, lumen diameter, wall thickness, tissue quality to determine stable or vulnerable plaque
  • CT - coronary arteries, abdominal aorta, calcification, plaque volume
  • PET - inflammation, perfusion, provides an index of the likelihood of vulnerable plaque to rupture

Cardiovascular Biomarkers:

  • Carotid Plaque Composition (MRI) - allows identification of vulnerable plaque
  • Carotid Plaque Volume (3D Ultrasound) - identifies the number of plaques present, a marker for progression/response
  • Coronary Artery Plaque Volume (Intravascular Ultrasound) - the most accurate and reliable measure of morphological changes in arterial plaque
  • Intima-media Thickness (IMT) (2D Ultrasound) - a conventional measure of plaque response
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