Mechanical behavior of functionally zoned hybrid intracranial stent integrating laser-cut and braided architectures

A novel functionally zoned hybrid intracranial stent is proposed to resolve the multifaceted mechanical limitations of existing designs by heterogeneously integrating a laser-cut anchoring segment with a braided section via interwoven filaments traversing precision-machined holes. Comprehensive finite element analysis and in vitro mechanical testing demonstrate that the optimal single-ended hybrid design simultaneously achieves five critical performance metrics: intermediate radial strength (2.89 N) between pure braided (2.12 N) and laser-cut (5.04 N) stents; comparable flexibility to braided stents (bending stiffness 0.00022 N/mm vs. 0.00023 N/mm); reduced foreshortening (18.1% vs. 22.2% and 22.0% for braided configurations); elimination of the end-constriction phenomenon through the laser-cut segment's traction effect to ensure continuous wall apposition; and preserved structural integrity during 180° bending where pure laser-cut stents fractured at 90°. Acute implantation of braided stents in rabbit subclavian arteries indirectly validates the conformability and flow-diversion capability of the braided component, confirming that this functionally zoned heterogeneous integration strategy provides a mechanically comprehensive endovascular solution for complex wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.