Mathematical model analysis of Wallstent® and AneuRx®: Dynamic responses of bare-metal endoprosthesis compared with those of stent-graft

We performed this study in order to analyze the mechanical properties of bare-metal Wallstent® endoprostheses and of AneuRx® stent-grafts and to compare their responses to hemodynamic forces. Mathematical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental measurements were used to study the 2 structurally different types of endoprostheses. Our findings revealed that a single bare-metal Wallstent endoprosthesis is 10 times more flexible (elastic) than is the wall of the aneurysmal abdominal aorta. Graphs showing the changes in the diameter and length of the stent when exposed to a range of internal and external pressures were obtained. If the aorta is axially stiff and resists length change, a force as large as 1 kg can act in the axial direction on the aortic wall. If the stent is not firmly anchored, it will migrate. In contrast, a fabric-covered, fully supported, stent-graft such as the AneuRx is significantly less compliant than the aorta or the bare-metal stent. During each cardiac cycle, the stent frame tends to move due to its higher elasticity, while the fabric resists movement, which might break the sutures that join the fabric to the frame. Elevated local transmural pressure, detected along the prosthesis graft, can contribute to material fatigue.