Analysis of the Expansion Behavior and In-Stent Restenosis of Coronary by Finite Element Method

Restenosis is a re-narrowing or blockage of an artery at the same site where treatment like stent procedure has already taken place. The aim of this study is to more conclusively identify the mechanical stimulus for in-stent restenosis by means of numerical model based on the finite element method. The finite element model simulating the stent, balloon, crimping tool and artery interaction in the coronary artery is developed. The present model is used to determine the stress distribution in the artery wall followed by stent implantation. It is indicated that the compliance mismatch of stent with vascular induces the stress concentration in the stented artery, which impact the level of vascular injury caused to the artery by the stent. This study supports the hypothesis that the artery develops restenosis in response to injury, where high vessel stresses are a good measure of the injury.