Parametric description, analysis, and optimization of the connector shape in balloon-expandable stents

Stents are widely used in interventional therapies to treat vascular stenosis and other obstructions. Their geometry and connector morphology critically influence mechanical properties (radial stiffness, bending compliance, fatigue resistance) and therapeutic performance. This study introduces a parametric-optimization framework for stent continuous connectors. An efficient model via quintic polynomial splines models complex connectors with fewer control points; a data-driven method (Kriging + EI criterion) finds designs meeting target mechanical performance. Optimal designs maximizing key stiffness/compliance metrics are analyzed. This strategy extends to full stent design, offering a novel approach for vascular stent parametric design and fabrication.