Hendrick Health first in Texas to implant dissolvable stent for ischemia below the knee

Hendrick Health is proud to announce that it is the first site in Texas to implant a new first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent for patients suffering with chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee (BTK). This condition can be painful and is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching the lower legs and feet.

The Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System (Esprit BTK System) by Abbott was approved in April 2024 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is designed to keep arteries open and to deliver a drug to support vessel healing prior to dissolving over time.

"We are ecstatic to not only bring this treatment to our patients at Hendrick Health, but to be the first in Texas with this cutting-edge technology," said Dr. Jogi Varghese, interventional cardiologist at Hendrick Health. “The newly FDA-approved stent technology is twice as effective compared to the current treatment options, and dissolves over time. Until now, the treatment options have been limited.”

The Esprit BTK System is comprised of materials similar to dissolving sutures. Once the blockage is open, the device is implanted through a catheter-based minimally invasive procedure. The scaffold helps heal the vessel and provides support until it is strong enough to remain open on its own.

According to the CDC, approximately 6.5 million men and women aged 40 and older in the United States are living with PAD.

Three cases were successfully performed at Hendrick Medical Center today.