A study on the wall shear stress of stented artery model by using Electrochemical Technique

The stimulation of endothelial cells by the low and oscillatory arterial wall shear stress (WSS) plays a central role in restenosis. The fluid-structure interaction in the stented area alters the WSS. We have designed an in-vitro model of stented artery to study WSS within a `stented' section. The experimental artery was made by casting paste silicone sealant with a Wood's metal cast. A peristaltic pump was used to simulate a pulsatile blood flow. Electrochemical Technique was used to quantify the time-averaged WSS before and after the implantation of an independent designed stent. We obtained WSS values of about 0.6 Pa in pre-stent and post-stent regions after stenting which may provide a source of endothelial stimulation propitious to restenosis. Also, WSS of about 1.1 Pa was found in the middle of stented arterial segment after stenting which may be a less dangerous region for restenosis.