Computational fluid dynamics application in reducing complications of patent ductus arteriosus stenting

In some cases, especially in neonates, ductus arteriosus needs to remain patent for multiple medical purposes. In order to achieve this, current practice involves inserting stent in the ductus arteriosus. This condition is called patent duc-tus arteriosus (PDA). For this process, stents such as coronary stent are commonly used due to unavailability of customized stent for PDA in neonates. The usage of coronary stent however, opens the possibility of acute stent thrombosis and other complications. Therefore, there is a high need of special and customized stents to be used for PDA in neonates. This customized stent has to be able to sustain the hemodynamic effects of the flow inside the PDA. The stent has to be able to support the ductus wall compression and contraction due to arterial compliance. What is more important is that the stent must properly fit into various morphologies of the ductus. There are several different morphologies of PDA identified and the stents must be able to sustain the various shapes and tortuosity. In addition, the stent has to be tested for biocompatibility and practicality. Therefore, the customized design of the PDA stents can be derived from the concept of coronary stents and in compliance with all the mentioned characteristics. However, further analysis has to be completed ensure proper compatibility with neonates. In conclusion, the biggest challenge is to customize a stent that fits all the PDA morphologies