An argument for the use of multiple segment stents in curved arteries

Stenting of curved arteries is generally perceived to be more challenging than straight vessels. Conceptually implanting multiple shorter stents rather than a single longer stent into such a curved artery represents a promising concept, but little is known about the impact of such an approach. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using a multiple segment stent rather than a single long stent to dilate a curved artery using the finite element method. A double segment stent (DSS) and a single segment stent (SSS) were modeled. The stents were compared when expanded into a model of a curved artery. The model predicts that the DSS provides higher flexibility, more conformity, and lower recoil in comparison to the SSS. The volume of arterial tissue experiencing high levels of stress due to stent implantation is also reduced for the DSS. It is suggested that a multiple segment stenting system is a potential solution to the problem of higher rates of in-stent restenosis in curved arteries and mechanically challenging environments.