Computer Simulation of the Coupling Between Recirculation Flows and Drug Release from a Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent

Abstract

This study examines the effect of recirculation zones and flow pulsatility on the transfer of the active ingredient from drug-eluting stents to the arterial wall, which can be hindered by recirculation zones located upstream and downstream of stent struts, leading to restenosis and thrombosis. Numerical simulations were conducted using a left coronary artery model with steady or pulsatile flows, and mass transfer analysis was performed on a single-stent strut with a square cross section. The findings offer valuable insights into optimizing the geometric design of drug-eluting stents by controlling the size and dynamics of induced recirculation cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of stent treatments.