Role of plaque shape in the fatigue behaviour of Nitinol peripheral stents

Fracture of stents is emerging as a drawback in the treatment of peripheral artery diseases. The complex environment created by cycling leg movements generates a deformed state that bring stents to rupture. The presence of plaques of different shape has impact on this occurrence. Computer models are useful tool to elucidate some aspects of this complex phenomenon. From the results of numerical modelling, small stent oversizing and reduced wall thickness, like in the presence of multiple stenosis, are accountable for higher probability of stent fracture.