Mechanical characterizations of braided composite stents made of helical polyethylene terephthalate strips and NiTi wires.

The novel braided composite stent (BCS), woven with both nitinol wires and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strips, were characterized and compared with the braided nitinol stent in the same weaving pattern. Finite element models simulating the stent compression and bending were developed to quantify its radial strength and longitudinal flexibility. The interaction between the nitinol wires and the PET strips were also delineated. Results showed that the PET strips enforced more constrains on the BCS and thus enhance its radial strength especially at a larger compression load. The longitudinal flexibility of the BCS was less sensitive to the presence of the PET strips. This work suggested that the novel design of the BCS could acquire the advantage of a covered stent without compromising its mechanical performance. The fundamental understanding of the braided composite stent will facilitate a better device design.