Contribution of Hepatic and Intestinal Lipoproteins to Human Atherosclerosis

Contribution of Hepatic and Intestinal Lipoproteins to Human Atherosclerosis

This study will use excess tissue from endoscopic or surgical procedures to examine the elements of plaque that are found in the carotid walls of patients who have a type of heart and blood vessel disease called atherosclerosis. Tissue will be collected from patients undergoing carotid procedures as well as patients undergoing liver and/or intestinal biopsies. This lab study will examine the different types of proteins that play a role in developing heart plaque.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years
• Scheduled for a clinically indicated, standard-of-care carotid endarterectomy (CEA) OR scheduled for a clinically indicated, standard-of- care surgical, laparoscopic or endoscopic intestinal biopsy or excision OR scheduled for a clinically indicated, standard-of-care surgical, laparoscopic or endoscopic liver biopsy or partial resection/excision
• Ability and willingness to consent and Authorization for use of PHI

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age ≤18 years
• Inability or unwillingness to consent and Authorization for use of PHI
• FOR CAROTID PATIENTS - history of carotid trauma, that is determined by the Principal Investigator to significantly have changed the carotid tissue structure
• FOR CAROTID PATIENTS - history of middle- or large-vessel vasculitis, that is determined by the Principal Investigator to significantly have changed the carotid tissue structure