The Vulnerable Plaque

Although most in the field would agree that the vulnerable plaque is an important topic, there is still considerable disagreement over the precise meaning of this term and the related terms high-risk plaque and thrombosis-prone plaque. Until now very few books have been available that both define this rapidly evolving field and provide authoritative information for diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive guide to understanding the many complexities of the vulnerable plaque and its role in interventional cardiology, Handbook of the Vulnerable Plaque defines vulnerable plaque, explains how it can be detected, and discusses the characteristics of possible candidates for vulnerable plaque. The book introduces the epidemiology, genetic determination, biology, and pathology of vulnerable plaques. Subsequent chapters on detection and diagnosis review biomarkers, MRI, intravascular thermography, intravascular ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography. It covers possible treatment options such as drug therapy, photodynamic therapy, and drug-eluting stents and concludes with chapters describing industry representation and device selection. An instructional tool, the handbook helps you hone your diagnostic capabilities and provides prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the incidence of acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.