Finite element simulation of slotted tube (stent) with the presence of plaque and artery by balloon expansion

In this paper, results are presented of nonlinear finite element simulations performed to analyse the interactions between the slotted tube (stent) and the plaque or artery using finite element method. The post-expansion response of the slotted tube in the presence of the plaque and artery was also investigated. The analysis was performed using finite element packages LS-DYNA explicit solver for solution of the problem and ANSYS (version 5.7) as pre- and post-processor. The slotted tube stent was subject to a pressure load applied on the inner surface of the balloon. Then the slotted tube expands and presses the plaque against the arterial wall. In order to reduce the solution time, only one-eighth of the model was developed by taking advantage of symmetry. A bi-linear elasto-plastic and hyperelastic material models were assumed for the slotted tubes and the balloons, respectively. The material models used for the plaque and arterial wall were defined as linear isotropic and nearly incompressible. The deformation characteristics of the slotted tube were analysed. The stresses in the plaque and artery due to the interference of slotted tube stent were discussed.