Biomechanical evaluation of in-stenting restenosis

Coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death in America today. Annually, an estimated 1.2 million Americans suffer from a new or recurrent coronary attack. Coronary heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to fatty build ups of plaque. It's likely to produce angina pectoris (chest pain), heart attack or both. The placement of a stent in the artery is used to prevent the collapse of the balloon treated artery. However the struts can introduce the excessive stresses on the artery wall and cause the artery to be re-blocked after weeks or months (instent restenosis). This study will quantify how key parameters of a stent such as mesh design, strut thickness, and plaque geometry affect the restenosis conditions. Results will identify the desirable properties necessary for the development of effective therapeutic strategy for reducing in-stent restenosis.