Drug-eluting coronary stents in stenosed arteries: medical investigation and computational modelling

• Applicants: Professor Marek Behr, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Stefanie Reese; Professor Dr. Felix Vogt
• Subject Area: Mechanics ; Cardiology, Angiology
• Term: from 2018 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 395712048

The overarching goal is to develop a simulation methodology that enables the early-stage selection of appropriate candidates among the multitude of available stent material compositions and stent geometries. Material modelling and finite element technologies for multi-layered polymer/metal composites as well as vessel wall and in-stent restenosis will be devised along with blood flow and drug transport simulation. Then, physiological model development covering thrombosis, endothelial cell adhesion as well as smooth muscle cell migration will be accompanied by in vitro and in vivo characterization and validation of computed vessel and stent behaviour predictions by analysis of in-stent restenosis development in atherogenic rats. Different stent platforms, both clinically used stents and exploratory stent prototypes with adjustable geometry and material composition will be examined. These efforts ultimately will A) guide stent property optimization apt to reduce in-stent thrombosis and restenosis and B) contribute to the animal welfare "3R-concept" focus in guidelines and legislature towards Refinement, Reduction and Replacement of animal experiments.The project crucially relies on the fruitful interplay of the three disciplines cardiology (CARD), solid mechanics (IFAM) and fluid mechanics (CATS).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants