Finite element analyses for optimization design of biodegradable magnesium alloy stent

•A 3D FEA model of MAS model was proposed.•The strain can be decreased by adding a peak-to-valley unit to the stent.•The mechanical behavior of the stent can be optimized by the gradual strut.•The annealing technology helps to decrease the residual stress of the stent.•Experiments were carried out for a preliminary validation of the simulation.

Stents made of biodegradable magnesium alloys are expected to provide a temporary opening into a narrowed arterial vessel until it remodels and will progressively disappear thereafter. Inferior mechanical properties and fast corrosion of the magnesium alloys are the two crucial factors that impede the clinical application of the magnesium alloy stents (MAS). In the present study, gradual strut width, addition of the peak-to-valley unit and introduction of the annealing technology were designed and investigated by finite element analysis in order to improve the performance of the MAS. Two experiments were carried out for a preliminary validation of the simulation.

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