This paper aims to find the relationship between the structural parameters and the radial stiffness of the braided stent and to understand the stress distribution law of the wires. According to the equation of the space spiral curve, a three-dimensional parametrical geometrical model is constructed. The finite element model is built by using the beam-beam contact elements and 3D beam elements. The constituent nitinol wires are assumed to be linear elastic material. The finite element analysis figures out that the radial stiffness of the stent and the stress distribution of the wires are influenced by all the structural parameters. The helix pitch of the wires is the most important factor. Under the condition of the same load and other structural parameters remaining unchanged, when the number of wires is 24, the stress of the wire crosssection is at the minimum. A comparison between the vitro experimental results and the analytical results is conducted, and the data is consistent, which proves that the current finite element model can be used to appropriately predict the mechanical performance of the braided esophageal stents.
