Nonaortic Stents and Stent Grafts

Implants within the hemodynamic milieu of the vascular system undergo unique stress/strain relationships. The choice of stent composition and stent type - balloon-expandable, self-expanding, covered, and noncovered - have a profound effect on long-term patency and integrity. The failure modes of endovascular stent placement are related to both mechanical stress and biologic response of the host to the implant. Mitigation of mechanical failure can be achieved through proper selection of stent based upon vessel location, mobility, and external compression. Similarly, several novel strategies seek to limit the neointimal response and promote long-term success with stenting. This chapter focuses on the construct of various stent types and reviews the mechanical advantage posed by them. In addition, will review novel therapies to influence long-term success.