Investigating the encrustation of reinforced ureteral stents by computational flow dynamic simulations

In cases of extrinsic ureteral obstruction, obstruction due to encrustation is particularly detrimental to functioning of the stent. A thorough understanding of the causes that lead to stent encrustation is essential. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations may provide a reliable screening platform for investigating the interplay between flow processes and encrustation dynamics in stents.

Using a tailor-made program, we attempted to evaluate a number of reinforced ureteral stents by CFD simulations with an obstructed or unobstructed ureter and steady or discontinuous flow patterns to identify critical regions with abrupt changes in shape susceptible to stagnant flow and encrustation.

For the Vortek^® and Urosoft stents, the longitudinal opening of the stents confirmed the presence of critical regions. No critical region was observed for the Superglide stent. CFD simulations showed that cavities formed near the critical regions represented patently stagnant flow and were potentially susceptible to the formation of encrusting deposits. Encrustations were greater in the obstructed design than in the unobstructed design. In the model with a suddenly interrupted laminar flow, the peristaltic motion resulted in new discontinuous encrustation areas scattered throughout the entire external and internal surface of the stent.

The analysis of fluid dynamics through the tested stents confirmed that encrustations are possible in regions of stagnant flow and showed that stent models with the smoothest possible surface are preferable. The discontinuous flow model provided results that are closer to the findings observed in the clinic and should be more often integrated into CFD simulations.