Effects of structural design on the mechanical performances of poly-L-lactic acid cardiovascular scaffolds using FEA and in vitro methods

Objective: In this study, we propose distinct and novel types of scaffold geometries to improve the mechanical performance of Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS), investigating how different geometries of PLLA BVS influence their mechanical performances through finite element analysis (FEA) and in vitro experiment methods. Methods: Four different types of scaffold geometries were modelled for FEA and manufactured for in vitro experiments. PLLA tubes with 110 μm thickness were used in manufacturing the scaffolds. For FEA measurements, material properties and bilinear material models were obtained from tensile testing using the PLLA tubes employed for manufacturing. Various measurements were conducted including crush resistance, radial strength in both the laser-cut and deployed state, three-point bending, and scaffold crimping/expansion test. Results: Overall, the FEA results were similar to the experimental results. Design A, which had a conventional open-cell geometry with straight bridges, showed inferior crush resistance and radial strength to those of the other tested geometries. Design B exhibited the most well-balanced scaffold performances in terms of radial strengths, crush resistance, three-point bending, and crimping/expansion behaviors. Notably, it showed minimum plastic strain during crimping and expanding deformations in FEA. Conclusions: Findings from such distinct and novel types of scaffold geometries shown by this study may provide a valuable understanding using PLLA scaffolds as cardiovascular devices.