Hemodynamic perturbations due to the presence of stents

The outcome of a stenting procedure is related to a number of factors, among which are the hemodynamic perturbations generated by the presence of the stent within the lumen. Computer models are appropriate tools to give insights on this aspect, especially now that knowledge of the specific stent location in an artery can be achieved with advanced intravascular imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography. This chapter reviews the main patient-specific studies investigating the local hemodynamics of stented coronary arteries. Particular attention is dedicated to the methodologies developed for the inclusion of the stent geometry in the 3D vessel fluid domain.