Mechanical properties of atherosclerotic tissues

The investigation of mechanical properties of atherosclerotic vessel walls was largely academic until 1980, when the mechanical properties began to be seen as more important for clinical issues. The reasons for the shift in perception are reviewed, and some characteristics of the mechanical properties, pertaining to elastic behavior and ultimate strength (and deformation) are outlined. Much research effort in the past dozen years has been devoted to investigating matrix metalloproteinases, as these are seen as contributing to weakening of plaque tissues, and some results of incubation with collagenase oil mechanical properties are included. Imaging in vivo to permit local stress estimation has also garnered attention.