Virtual evaluation of stent graft deployment: a validated modeling and simulation study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Medical Device Simulation

Background:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repair often involves endovascular stent grafts.
• Accurate prediction of stent graft deployment is crucial for successful repair.
• Current methods may have limitations in quantifying mechanical behavior post-deployment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To virtually model the deployment of a bifurcated stent graft (Medtronic Talent) in an AAA model.
• To validate finite element (FE) simulation results with in vitro experiments.
• To assess the capability of FE simulations in predicting post-EVAR mechanical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the finite element method to simulate the crimping, bending, and release of a bifurcated stent graft.
• Developed a computational model of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
• Validated simulation outcomes against in vitro experiments using a silicone mock aneurysm and high-resolution CT scans.

Main Results:

• FE simulations successfully predicted the deformed configuration of the stent graft after deployment.
• In vitro validation confirmed the accuracy of the computational model.
• Simulations demonstrated the ability to quantify mechanical parameters like neck dilation, radial forces, and device stresses.

Conclusions:

• Finite element computer simulations are capable of accurately predicting stent graft configuration post-EVAR.
• FE analysis provides a valuable tool for quantifying mechanical parameters not easily measured by medical imaging.
• This simulation capability can enhance the understanding and planning of endovascular aneurysm repair procedures.