A computational study of stent performance by considering vessel anisotropy and residual stresses

Finite element simulations of stent deployment were carried out by considering the intrinsic anisotropic behaviour, described by a Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden (HGO) hyperelastic anisotropic model, of individual artery layers. The model parameters were calibrated against the experimental stress-stretch responses in both circumferential and longitudinal directions. The results showed that stent expansion, system recoiling and stresses in the artery layers were greatly affected by vessel anisotropy. Following deployment, deformation of the stent was also modelled by applying relevant biomechanical forces, i.e. in-plane bending and radial compression, to the stent-artery system, for which the residual stresses generated during deployment were particularly accounted for. Residual stresses were found to have a significant influence on the deformation of the system, resulting in a re-distribution of stresses and a change of the system flexibility. The results were also utilised to interpret the mechanical performance of stent after deployment.