New Technologies to Determine Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Patients With Significant Carotid Plaques

New Technologies to Determine Carotid Plaque Vulnerability: A Pilot Study to Assess Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) in Patients With Significant Carotid Plaques

The researchers are trying to determine if the characterization of "vulnerable" carotid artery plaques can be accomplished with ultrasound-based methods that look for vessels in the plaque and measure the plaque stiffness.

All participants will receive a one time Carotid contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) examination that may take 30-60 minutes. Follow up calls will be made to the Participants at 6, 12 ,24 and 36 months to ask about occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject has carotid plaque with > 50% stenosis
• Subject is able to understand the study procedure and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject is pregnant or breast feeding
• Subject is unable to provide informed consent
• Subject has contraindication to the use of the Lumason contrast agent.