Effect of Material Properties on the Mechanical Performance of Nitinol Esophageal Stent: Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Stent placement has been a main approach to treat gastrointestinal diseases during past decade. Nitinol superelastic stents have been considered as a solution to such difficulties as restenosis after implantation, low twisting ability, inadequate radial mechanical strength and inappropriate dynamic behaviors associated with the ducts. In this paper, effects of Aftemperatures on mechanical performance of z-shaped Nitinol wire stent under crimping test for clinical applications are investigated by finite element simulation. Having 60% crimping and high radial resistive strength, favorable superelastic behaviors are attained at Aftemperature of 22°C. The performance of the stent is seen to be drastically different with a mere change of 1° in the segments angle.