Computational modeling of stenting procedures for coronary bifurcations

Stent implantation in complex geometries as coronary bifurcations remains a challenging problem in the clinical field. Different techniques (crush technique, culotte technique, T-stenting, V-stenting, ecc.) which imply the insertion of two or more devices are described in the literature; nevertheless all of these methodologies have specific pros and cons. Nowadays the preferred strategy by the physicians is the provisional side branch stenting. This technique consists of the implantation of only one stent in the main branch (MB) with the opportunity to expand another device in the side branch (SB) only if the clinical results are considered suboptimal. The aim of this work is the implementation of a numerical model able to analyze through the finite element method the stent behaviour and its interaction with the arterial tissues in applications involving coronary bifurcations. The effects of different stent positioning is investigated.