Effect of Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone Composite and Geometry on Simulated Stents Using Finite Element Analysis for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Conventional stents face challenges, prompting the need for alternatives like biodegradable stents made from resorbable polymers. This study examines the impact of stent cell geometry (Igaki-Tamai, Absorb, Elixir) and polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) ratios on mechanical behavior. Finite element analysis revealed that Igaki-Tamai had the highest von Mises stresses, displacements, and strains, while Absorb showed uniformly low displacements across materials. Elixir geometry had the lowest maximum stresses and strains across all material concentrations.