Fluid-structure study of a polymeric coating reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) for potential application in stents

Abstract

The therapeutic approach of the atherosclerotic plaque has been visualized from multiple perspectives, which include from the handling of drugs until the implantation of medical devices like stents. A current alternative to restenosis appearance, is the use of stents with drugreleasing coatings. The present work seeks to analyze the structural and hemodynamic behavior and to understand the effects between the interaction of a stent coating manufactured in PVOH with and without the presence of carbon nanotubes with concentrations of CNT varying from 0.1 to 0.3% (Wt), through a computational study. The computational study is based on a Fluid-Structure (FSI) model in one way and with a scheme partitioned using the finite element method. In conclusion, predicting the mechanical behavior and local flow patterns of these devices may provide criteria elements that allow the improvement of the design of a stent coating