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Qiu et al. Vessel Plus 2018;2:12 Vessel Plus
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2018.13

Review Open Access

Research into biodegradable polymeric stents: a
review of experimental and modelling work

Tianyang Qiu, Liguo Zhao

Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
Correspondence to: Dr. Liguo Zhao, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough
University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK. E-mail: L.Zhao@Lboro.ac.uk

How to cite this article: Qiu T, Zhao L. Research into biodegradable polymeric stents: a review of experimental and modelling work.
Vessel Plus 2018;2:12. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2018.13

Received: 19 Mar 2018 First Decision: 18 Apr 2018 Revised: 26 Apr 2018 Accepted: 14 May 2018 Published: 5 Jun 2018
Science Editor: Mario F. L. Gaudino Copy Editor: Jun-Yao Li Production Editor: Cai-Hong Wang

Abstract
Bioresorbable stents (BRSs) are regarded as the next-generation medical devices to treat blocked or diseased arteries.
The use of BRSs aims to reduce the risk of late stent thrombosis and long-term tissue inflammation associated with
permanent metallic stents. BRSs are designed to relieve symptoms immediately and also provide mechanical support
for an appropriate time period before they are fully absorbed by human body. To promote clinical adoption of BRSs
or even to substitute metallic stents, the mechanical performance of BRSs needs to be thoroughly investigated and
quantitatively characterised, especially over the full period of degradation. This paper offers a review of current research
status of polymeric BRSs, covering both experimental and modelling work. Review of experimental studies highlighted
the effects of stent designs and materials on the behaviour of polymeric BRSs. Computational work was able to simulate
crimping, expansion and degradation of polymeric BRSs and the results were useful for performance assessment. In
summary, the development of polymeric BRSs is still at an early stage, and further research is urgently required for a
better understanding and control of their mechanical performance.

Keywords: Bioresorbable stents, mechanical performance, degradation, experimental studies, computational work

INTRODUCTION
Since the implantation of the first coronary artery stent in 1986, stent deployment has become a standard
medical procedure to treat coronary stenosis, a leading cause of heart attack. The worldwide coronary stent
market is worth over $7 billion and forecasted to grow by more than 5% annually . Over the past three
[1]
decades, there have been significant improvements made in stent materials and designs, especially for the

© The Author(s) 2018. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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