Research into biodegradable polymeric stents: a review of experimental and modelling work

Bioresorbable stents (BRSs) are regarded as the next-generation medical devices to treat blocked or diseased arteries. The use of BRSs aims to reduce the risk of late stent thrombosis and long-term tissue inflammation associated with permanent metallic stents. BRSs are designed to relieve symptoms immediately and also provide mechanical support for an appropriate time period before they are fully absorbed by human body. To promote clinical adoption of BRSs or even to substitute metallic stents, the mechanical performance of BRSs needs to be thoroughly investigated and quantitatively characterised, especially over the full period of degradation. This paper offers a review of current research status of polymeric BRSs, covering both experimental and modelling work. Review of experimental studies highlighted the effects of stent designs and materials on the behaviour of polymeric BRSs. Computational work was able to simulate crimping, expansion and degradation of polymeric BRSs and the results were useful for performance assessment. In summary, the development of polymeric BRSs is still at an early stage, and further research is urgently required for a better understanding and control of their mechanical performance.