Design optimization of coronary stents by FEM

Two different designs, A and B, with notable different geometrical parameters, were compared. The S-Stent was simulated to expand from its as cut configuration on a hyperelastic balloon model under physiological deployment pressure (below 18 atm). The numerical simulation results reveal that stent B, at diametric expansion of 3.3mm OD, experiences a 50.5% reduction in plastic strain and 10% less shortening over stent A. This reduction in plastic strain translates into lower deployment pressure, thereby lessening injury to the arterial walls imparted by the balloon. The relatively smaller post delivery shortening allows for more precise positioning of the stent B across the lesion.