Effect of Stent Design Parameters on Coronary Artery Flow

The most widely accepted modality for treating diseased arteries is the implantation of endovascular stents. Stents are metallic wireframe devices used to reopen clogged arteries. Despite their widespread use, problems persist post-implantation of these devices beginning with sub-acute thrombus formation followed by inflammation, proliferation and remodeling [1]. The specific stent design and its design parameters profoundly impact the hemodynamic environment of the stent [2], in turn affecting thrombus accumulation between struts and thus restenosis [3]. Prior research examining the hemodynamic effects of stents has been performed in simplified geometries [4] however the effects of stent design parameters such as strut thickness and crown radius of curvature or analysis in realistic geometries is generally lacking. A more thorough understanding of the effect of a stent’s geometric parameters on the arterial flow will provide insight into their long-term performance and will lead to better design.