Finite Element Analysis of a Bare Metal Stent Therapeutic for Aortic Dissection

Since the endovascular repair for aortic dissection by stent graft still has limitations of the application scope and complications, our group has been developing and evaluating a new stenting function by replacing it with a large self-expandable bare metal stent. In this study, we use finite element analysis to evaluate the remodeling outcomes of the dissected aorta by this new stent. An ideal aortic dissection model was also designed using numerical simulations based on previous animal and in vitro experiments, and then a 32mm bare metal stent was deployed at the location of the lesion. The radial force was measured by both experimental and computational methods to evaluate the mechanical performance of the bare metal stent. Results showed that two tears were successfully closed by the stent; the ratio of the lumen area between the false and true lumens was successfully decreased by more than 50% after the deployment; the diameter of the vessel did not change significantly after treatment; the stent was in good apposition with the inner wall of the aorta, but there were still small gaps and stress concentrations. The positive outcomes indicate the feasibility of this treatment and predict its long-term usage with associated fewer risks compared to the stent graft. Such analyses may provide valuable information for the design of the stent to optimize the remodeling of the true lumen and advance clinical use in the future.