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.