Finite element simulation of the mechanical performance of a WE43 magnesium‐alloy biliary stent

This thesis presents a research endeavor focused on designing a biliary stent to address complications arising from laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with a specific emphasis on bile duct injuries. This work emphasizes the development of a biodegradable magnesium-based alloy stent (WE43). Using the finite element method (FEM), this study aims to simulate the mechanical behavior of the WE43 magnesium alloy biliary stent through non-clinical tests, including a three-point bending test and balloon expansion. Critical to this simulation is the validation process, a material characterization of the WE43 magnesium alloy and a meticulous analysis of the stent's mechanical properties under varied boundary conditions is performed. The research proposes a stage gate process for the development of the biodegradable biliary stent and introduces a methodology for the characterization of the WE43 magnesium alloy, improving the accuracy of experimental predictions. The outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of the Finite Element Method in predicting stent deformation under diverse physiological conditions, particularly in three-point bending and balloon expansion tests.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1228-9636