Numerical analysis of three-layer vessel stent made from Cr-Ni-Mo steel and tantalum

The main aim of the work was determination of biomechanical characteristics of a three-layer vascular stent made of stainless steel and tantalum Ta. Furthermore, the numerical analysis of the same stent form made exclusively of the stainless steel was carried out. The result of the numerical analysis was determination of the relation between reduced stresses and strains present in the individual regions of the stent, in function of the expansion diameter (d = 1,0 ÷f 3,5 mm). The analysis of the obtained results showed the diverse distribution of stresses and strains in the individual regions of the stent. The results of the numerical analysis are valuable information for appropriate design of the stent form, its geometrical features and for selection of mechanical properties of the applied metallic biomaterials. The strains obtained from the numerical analysis showed that only deformable surface layer reduce the surface reactivity in blood environment.Received 15 October 2006; Accepted 14 January 2007