Simulated characterization of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries by measurement of bioimpedance.

FEM software was used to determine the feasibility of characterizing various types of atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. This was accomplished by simulating two electrodes as being attached to an angioplasty balloon in the coronary artery. The electrodes on the "balloon" touched and measured the simulated complex impedance of type III, IV, and Va and Vb lesions, as defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). Additionally, the effect of changes in morphology on the complex impedance was determined for type Va and Vb lesions. The simulations showed that the layer closest to the electrodes had the most significant effect on the measured complex impedance. As a consequence of these simulations, it appears plausible that electrodes could be placed in vivo to determine the characteristics and type of a given atherosclerotic lesion.