FINITE-ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY

Finite-element modelling is used to simulate the response of atheroscl erotic arteries to a balloon angioplasty procedure. Material propertie s for the normal wall are derived from experimental data, and the prop erties of the plaque are varied over a wide range. Comparison with exp erimental data shows that the normal aterial wall can be appropriately modelled using a hyperelastic material definition. Large-strain, nonl inear analysis was used to simulate the dilatation of three typical pl aque configurations by an angioplasty balloon. Stress contour plots ar e presented for each configuration. Results show good agreement with p revious histologic studies.