Smart Stent for Real-Time Endoleak Detection

While minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is effective, an inevitable risk of leaking (called Endoleak) remains. To detect Endoleak, we present a Smart Stent platform using a piezoelectric thin film wrapped on a 3D-printed nylon scaffold, enabling real-time pressure and flow sensing. Experimental results show that the Smart Stent output reaches 186.8 m V at systolic pressure (119.9 mmHg), measured using artificial abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models. Endoleaks are detected by monitoring variations in the Smart Stent baseline. The Smart Stent baseline is decreased by 65.2% (65.01 mV) under Endoleak type I, while Endoleak type III decreased it by 77.5% (43.35 mV) compared to the stable condition, i.e., no-Endoleak (186.8 mV). These results demonstrate the potential of Smart Stent technologies for precise hemodynamic monitoring.