(Photo caption) The team from Doylestown Health Vascular Surgery is the first in the greater Philadelphia Region to use the Abbott Esprit™ BTK System. A first-of-its-kind, drug-eluting dissolvable stent, this new FDA approved treatment option is for people with chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee.
Gathered after the procedure are (from left) Scott Malinowski, RT, vascular radiology tech; Lindsay Strauss, RN, vascular nurse; Brooke Weaber, RN, vascular nurse; Atul Rao, MD, vascular surgeon; Michael Leraris, RCIS; cardiovascular specialist.
Doylestown Health’s Vascular Surgery team successfully implanted a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent, Abbott’s Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System. A new, FDA-approved treatment option, the Esprit™ BTK System is for people with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) below-the-knee (BTK).
This stent/scaffold is designed to keep arteries open and deliver a drug to support vessel healing prior to dissolving over time, according to Atul Rao, MD, vascular surgeon.
“The standard treatment, balloon angioplasty, uses a small balloon to open blocked vessels. But this method often leads to short- and long-term issues, with many blockages reoccurring and requiring more treatment. This new technology shows a potential to have improved durability and mitigate recurrence,” says Dr. Rao.
How the Dissolvable Stent Works
Our fellowship trained vascular surgeons, Dr. Atul Rao and Paul Foley, MD, implant the Esprit™ BTK System during a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure via a needle puncture in the leg. Once the blockage has been crossed, the Esprit™ BTK System helps to keep the small arteries below the knee open and delivers a drug called Everolimus, to support vessel healing until it is strong enough to remain open on its own.
“The system addresses an unmet need for people living with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) and allows us to more effectively treat challenging lesions below-the-knee (BTK),” says Dr. Foley. “This serious form of peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching the lower leg and foot. With progression, the disease process can lead to limb amputation.”
The stent is placed during a minimally invasive procedure through a small poke-hole in the groin. The scaffold helps heal the vessel and supports it for about three years until the vessel can stay open on its own.
“This new treatment option supports healing while reducing the risk of long-term complications,” says Dr. Rao. “We’re excited to be able to offer our patients the latest technological advancements to treat chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee such as Abbott’s new dissolvable stent.”
A Team of Experts
Doylestown Health’s fellowship-trained vascular surgeons collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for people experiencing vascular disease.
Our experienced team performs advanced procedures using leading-edge technology in the hospital’s sophisticated Endovascular Hybrid Operating Suite.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about Doylestown Health’s Vascular Surgery Program, please call 215.230.6982.
About Doylestown Health's Heart & Vascular Services
Expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons assist patients and physicians with managing risk factors for heart disease, offer advanced treatment options and provide outstanding emergency cardiac care. Doylestown Hospital’s accredited Chest Pain Center is fully prepared to treat cardiac emergencies around the clock, focusing on rapid diagnosis and effective treatment. The multidisciplinary team at the Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care and patient safety.