Finite element analysis of stent implantation in a three-dimensional reconstructed arterial segment

Endovascular stent deployment is a mechanical procedure used to rehabilitate a diseased arterial segment by restoring blood flow in occluded regions. The success or failure of the stent implantation depends on the stent device and the deployment technique. The optimal stent deployment can be predicted by investigating the factors that influence this minimally invasive procedure. In this study, we propose a methodology which evaluates the alterations in the arterial environment caused by stent deployment. A finite element model of a reconstructed right coronary artery with a stenosis was created based on anatomical information provided by intravascular ultrasound and angiography. The model was used to consider placement and performance after intervention with a commercially available Leader Plus stent. The performance of the stent, within this patient-specific arterial segment is presented, as well as the induced arterial deformation and straightening. The arterial stress distribution is analyzed with respect to possible regions of arterial injury. Our approach can be used to optimize stent deployment and to provide cardiologists with a valuable tool to visually select the position and deploy stents in patient-specific reconstructed arterial segments, thereby enabling new methods for optimal cardiovascular stent positioning.