Elucid Unveils Revolutionary PlaqueIQ Image Analysis Software for Carotid Arteries
October 2025 — Elucid, a pioneering firm specializing in AI medical technology, has launched its PlaqueIQ image analysis software. This innovative tool facilitates the quantification and classification of atherosclerotic plaque morphology specifically in the carotid arteries.
As the first and only computed tomography (CT)-based analysis software designated for carotid vasculature, PlaqueIQ aims to assist clinicians in diagnosing unstable carotid plaques, ultimately enabling the formulation of tailored treatment strategies to mitigate the risk of ischemic stroke.
“The capacity to precisely characterize plaque composition fundamentally transforms the assessment of stroke risk associated with carotid arteries,” remarked Dr. David Deaton, a noted vascular surgeon and adjunct associate professor at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.
Traditionally, plaque composition has been acknowledged as a pivotal risk factor for stroke, yet conventional imaging techniques have long fallen short in providing this critical insight.
Accurate detection of plaque composition now exceeds the limitations of classic stenosis assessments, allowing for a more nuanced identification of patients at heightened risk for stroke, thereby informing procedural strategies and planning.
Dr. Alberto Morales, founder of South Tampa Cardiology, echoed this sentiment, stating, For many years, we have leveraged CT imaging to quantify coronary plaque, tailoring preventive measures accordingly.
The ability to extend this capability to the carotid arteries is nothing short of revolutionary. This groundbreaking technology allows us to assess carotid plaque biology in addition to its anatomical structure, offering a comprehensive perspective on stroke risk and overall vascular health. This truly represents the future landscape of vascular medicine.
PlaqueIQ stands as the premier FDA-cleared, non-invasive plaque analysis tool grounded in objective histological principles.
It provides advanced analysis by delivering both quantification and classification of plaque morphology while distinctly identifying and evaluating by lipid-rich necrotic core, a plaque subtype with significant implications for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.
This innovative technology is engineered to assist healthcare providers in prioritizing and customizing treatments based not merely on population-derived risk factors but on actual disease characteristics in coronary and carotid arteries.
It enhances the ability to evaluate treatment options pertinent to patients’ symptoms and their potential for future events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, ultimately fostering the formation of individualized care pathways steered by each patient’s unique plaque profile.
When applied to both coronary and carotid arteries, PlaqueIQ offers a non-invasive, dual-faceted evaluation of systemic atherosclerotic risk, paving the way for simultaneous assessment of plaque across these vascular territories in a single scan.
“At Elucid, we are committed to addressing the predominant source of heart attacks and strokes: plaque development, whether present in coronary or carotid arteries,” stated Dr. Kelly Huang, CEO of Elucid.
“Our vision is to empower physicians with a comprehensive understanding of systemic atherosclerotic risk through a single imaging study, allowing for tailored treatment regimens and comprehensive monitoring of the patient’s health.”
References
- Lal, Brajesh K., et al. “Computed Tomography Angiographic Biomarkers Help Identify Vulnerable Carotid Artery Plaque.” Journal of Vascular Surgery, April 2022, 75(4), 1311-1322.e3. Available at www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0741521421024435.
- Virmani, Renu, et al. “Lessons From Sudden Coronary Death: A Comprehensive Morphological Classification Scheme for Atherosclerotic Lesions.” Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, May 2020, 20(5). Available at www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.ATV.20.5.1262.
- Sakamoto, Atsushi, et al. “Vulnerable Plaque in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Identification, Importance, and Management.” US Cardiology Review, January 2022, 26:16:e01. Available at www.uscjournal.com/articles/vulnerable-plaque-patients-acute-coronary-syndrome-identification-importance-and.
- Gupta, Ajay, et al. “Carotid Plaque MRI and Stroke Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Stroke, August 2013, 44(11). Available at www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/strokeaha.113.002551.
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