Vessel Atherosclerosis Plaque

Image Description:

Atherosclerosis is build up of plaque inside the arteries and is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances found in the blood. This build up of plaque narrows the arteries and limits the flow of oxygen rich blood to the organs in the body. Stent placement can be used the treat the condition and involves a guidewire being entered into the vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated which expands the metal mesh stent that helps open the blocked artery. The stent is left in place. In severe cases even with the stent in place the plaque continues to increase to such an extent that it once again causes a blockage as shown in step 6 of the illustration and a thrombosis is also shown as present in step 7 of the illustration.  

Image File Sizes:

Anatomy Visible in the Medical Illustration Includes:

Patent vessel, coronary artery, vessel with atherosclerosis or plaque, stent insertion, balloon insertion, balloon inflated, stent expansion, stent in vessel with atherosclerosis, thrombosis.

Image created by:

Joanna Culley