This study is aimed at patients suffering from carotid atherosclerosis. In the presence of atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, one of the treatments that can be proposed is carotid endarterectomy, the aim of which is to remove the atherosclerotic plaque that obstructs the carotid artery and therefore increases the risk of developing a stroke. The risk of rupture of these plaques is primarily assessed by anatomical medical imaging: the degree of stenosis (narrowing) that the plaque causes most often informs the decision whether or not to proceed with surgery. However, it is well established that the degree of stenosis is not a very precise decision criterion: some plaques would never have ruptured, while others have ruptured even though no surgical intervention had been performed. It has since been discovered that the degree of inflammation is a much more accurate predictor of future rupture, but there is currently no reliable non-invasive imaging marker to measure plaque inflammation. In this study, the investigators therefore evaluate a new marker, the perfluorocarbon ABL-101, for non-invasive imaging of inflammation in atherosclerotic plaque. To assess the marker's effectiveness in quantifying inflammation in plaque, the plaque will be analyzed microscopically after removal to obtain a more accurate measure of the degree of inflammation. This will enable us to assess the effectiveness of the non-invasive marker injection method versus the more invasive microscopic analysis of the removed plaque. ABL-101 consists of a perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion, a liquid mixture in which PFC particles are dispersed. PFCs are chemical compounds containing only carbon and fluorine, and are known for their ability to transport large quantities of oxygen. Totally inert, PFCs cannot be broken down by the body and are eliminated naturally. Due to their small size, these particles are also captured by certain immune system cells and, combined with 19F-MRI, constitute a marker of inflammation.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Correlation between 19F MRI signal measured in the carotid plaque to be excised and CD45+ leukocytes number per mm2 in the excised plaque
Timeframe: The timepoint for primary outcome is the day of 19F MRI.
Ruud van Heeswijk, Dr. SC., PD, MER1