Biomechanical Investigations on Compression, Expansion, and Flexion of Tubal Occluders: A Finite Element Analysis

Quan Song^1,2Zhuo Zhang^1,2Xiaobao Tian^1,2Yu Chen^1,2Fei Gao³Zhongyou Li^1,2,4,5lingjun liu^6,7*Xiaoyan Wang^8*

• ¹Sichuan University School of Architecture and Environment, Chengdu, China
• ²Sichuan Province Biomechanical Engineering Laboratory, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
• ³Chengdu Neurotrans Medical Technology Co. LTD, Chengdu, China
• ⁴Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
• ⁵Research Institute for Sports and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
• ⁶Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, China
• ⁷Department of Radiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
• ⁸Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China

Background: Hydrosalpinx significantly reduces the success rate of embryo implantation no dedicated occlusion currently exists for its treatment. This study introduces a novel shape-memory-based Fallopian tube occluder and systematically evaluates its mechanical performance across designs with varying wire densities. Methods: The proposed occluder features a mesh-based support structure with a symmetrical double-coil configuration, designed to enhance friction and reduce the risk of migration. Three geometric models were developed based on wire density (n): sparse (n = 84), standard (n = 113), and dense (n = 226). Finite element simulations were conducted to assess the mechanical response of each design during crimping, deployment, and bending. Results: In the sparse model, low filament density resulted in incomplete contact with the crimping tool, producing localized stress concentrations at the support and central regions with a maximum strain of 1.88%. The standard model demonstrated improved stress redistribution toward the connection zones and achieved a peak strain of 2.73%, providing reliable radial support while maintaining moderate compliance. The dense model, although free of dominant high-stress regions, exhibited severe localized stress (up to 1569.04 MPa) and a maximum strain of 12.73%, exceeding the superelastic recovery limit of the NiTi alloy. All three designs showed minimal axial shortening and radial recoil (<3%) after deployment, indicating limited post-deployment deformation. Load–displacement analysis revealed that increasing filament density led to higher bending stiffness and reduced flexibility. Conclusion: The sparse occluder offers high flexibility but lacks adequate structural support. In contrast, the dense design suffers from excessive deformation under compression, potentially compromising structural stability. The standard configuration provides an optimal balance between flexibility and support, making it the most promising candidate for clinical application.