Realistic computer modelling of stent retriever thrombectomy: a hybrid finite-element analysis-smoothed particle hydrodynamics model

Stent retriever thrombectomy is a pre-eminent treatment modality for large vessel ischaemic stroke. Simulation of thrombectomy could help understand stent and clot mechanics in failed cases and provide a digital testbed for the development of new, safer devices. Here, we present a novel, in silico thrombectomy method using a hybrid finite-element analysis (FEA) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). Inspired by its biological structure and components, the blood clot was modelled with the hybrid FEA–SPH method. The Solitaire self-expanding stent was parametrically reconstructed from micro-CT imaging and was modelled as three-dimensional finite beam elements. Our simulation encompassed all steps of mechanical thrombectomy, including stent packaging, delivery and self-expansion into the clot, and clot extraction. To test the feasibility of our method, we simulated clot extraction in simple straight vessels. This was compared against in vitro thrombectomies using the same stent, vessel geometry, and clot size and composition. Comparisons with benchtop tests indicated that our model was able to accurately simulate clot deflection and penetration of stent wires into the clot, the relative movement of the clot and stent during extraction, and clot fragmentation/embolus formation. In this study, we demonstrated that coupling FEA and SPH techniques could realistically model stent retriever thrombectomy.