Vascularized Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Models for the Validation of Novel Methods of Quantifying Intraplaque Neovascularization

•We developed neovascularized plaque models resembling human plaques. •These plaques contain a network of microvessels compatible with contrast-enhanced imaging. •We have established a method to quantify contrast infiltration within a carotid plaque. •This novel tool has the potential to improve clinical identification of vulnerable plaques. Background Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in advanced lesions of the carotid artery has been linked...