ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Page Count: 12

Experimental Studies of NiTi Self-expanding Stent Designs

Eaton-Evans, J
Research Student and Professor, University of Limerick,

Dulieu-Barton, JM
Reader in Experimental Mechanics, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton,

Little, EG
Research Student and Professor, University of Limerick,

Brown, IA
Research Student and Professor, University of Limerick,

(Received 11 October 2005; accepted 14 June 2006)

Abstract

Preliminary investigations to apply thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) to Nitinol self-expanding stents are described. Tests conducted at high resolution indicated that a viable thermoelastic signal can be obtained from the fine stent structure. It is shown that it is possible to digitally compensate for errors arising from motion at this high resolution. High variability in Nitinol's material properties with stress and temperature result in a complex thermoelastic response. Correction strategies are proposed to account for variation in material properties and to minimize errors due to thermal variations in order to derive calibration factors for the austenite and martensite material phases. The greatest challenge is identified as calibrating the thermoelastic response from the radially loaded stent structure where it is likely the material is highly inhomogeneous.

Keywords:
Nitinol, thermoelastic stress analysis, stent

Paper ID: JAI100388
DOI: 10.1520/JAI100388
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