Abstract: Plastic deformation and work hardening may occur in crimping, which can result in changes of material properties and affect the performance of stents. A complete deformation procedure of a typical stent was simulated using finite element method. Its mechanical performances were evaluated and compared with that using a simplified procedure (omitting the process of stent crimping). It was found that the crimping has a significant influence on the stent shape, stress distribution, recoil rate and the maximum expandable diameter of stent.

Key words: crimping, work hardening, balloon expandable stent