Abstract
This study introduces a novel method for fabricating Y-shaped stents from Nitinol sheets, aimed at addressing clinical needs more effectively than current braided designs. Stents play a crucial role in treating narrowed blood vessels, but conventional methods often result in high bending resistance and increased risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR). The proposed method allows for precise control over the stent’s flexibility and mesh density, overcoming the limitations of braiding techniques. A complex Y-shaped stent design was developed and subjected to extensive mechanical testing, including tensile, bending, and crush resistance tests, and finite element analysis (FEA). The results demonstrated that the developed stent exhibited superior flexibility, lower bending resistance, and high structural integrity under various load conditions. The stent’s performance was benchmarked against a commercially available Y-shaped stent, showing comparable or improved mechanical properties. This innovative approach enhances the mechanical performance of Y-shaped stents and also opens new possibilities for design customization, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing complications associated with stent implantation.