Finite Element Analysis of Tensile Fatigue Behavior of Coronary Stent

Abstract

Coronary stent has been popular method for the treat of coronary artery stenosis while stent fracture has been observed sometimes after implantation. Tensile fatigue behavior of stent plays an important role and the effective analysis method of stent properties is needed. In addition, from the data of patients we know that the stent always appears to have an elliptical shape in the vessels and it may affect the performance of stent. In this study, the tensile fatigue performance of one stent was analyzed by the finite element simulation method. An effective simulation process was performed to analyze the tensile fatigue behavior under different maximum strain and the effect of diameter of stent was considered. An equivalent stress (SEQA) was applied in evaluation and the results showed different results by comparing with Mises stress. A Goodman fatigue analysis was performed using the equivalent stress and fracture was predicted. Also, the effect of elliptical shape was analyzed and it showed no significant difference of SEQA between the circle and elliptical model on tensile fatigue performance.