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Motivation
Understanding how the 3D printed, polymer-based stents mechanically perform as they degrade overtime is essential. By performing mechanical tests at different timepoints during the in-vitro degradation period, we can understand how or if the mechanical properties of the stents change as they degrade, if the mechanical properties change between NaOH treatment groups, and if the mechanical properties of the stents are isotropic.
Experimental Design
Two types of mechanical tests were performed throughout the degradation period every 2-4 weeks
Radial Compression
Radial Compression
Simulates complete tracheal compression
Uniform compressive vectors arranged radially around the circumference of the stent
Linear Compression
Linear Compression
Simulates tracheal stenosis at a specific point
Stents are compressed at 3 different points from the seam (at the seam, 45° from the seam and 90° from the seam)
Results
Stent Stiffness Overtime
Stent stiffness visualized at different timepoints during PBS degradation
Based on both mechanical tests, there is no significant difference in stiffness for any treatment group as stents degrade, showing stent's mechanical properties remain temporarily stable
Stents are able to support physiologically relevant compressive conditions and are able to go back to its original shape
Comparison Between Stent Designs
Using point compression at different points on the stent, the new puzzle design was compared to the old straight seam design
Stents in 0 min NaOH and 10 week timepoint. P-values < 0.05(*)
Old design is anisotropic, shows a significant difference between the stiffness at the seam and 180° from the seam
New design is isotropic, with respect to stiffness
New design has lower stiffness --> higher flexibility
Page created by: Gala Sanchez Van Moer & Denise Casas
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