People living with the condition understand the constant pain and suffering all too well. It comes with the territory for those beset by a disease unknown to much of the public: chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) below the knee (BTK).
It’s a stark name that mirrors the severity of the malady. But now there’s a new name associated with the disease that spells hope – Abbott’s Esprit BTK System.
The first-of-its-kind innovation has been successfully utilized by Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Spring Hill. The minimally invasive procedure involves a dissolvable stent that offers a new path forward for CLTI BTK patients.
The condition refers to a serious form of peripheral artery disease that occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching the lower leg and foot. The result is extreme pain, open wounds that don’t heal and, in some cases, amputation. Studies also show that over a five-year period, CLTI has a lower survival rate than breast, colorectal and prostate cancer combined.
Enter the Esprit BTK System, which works by implanting a device via a small incision in the leg. Once the blockage is open, the Esprit BTK helps heal the artery by delivering a drug called everolimus and provides support until the artery is strong enough to remain open on its own.
On February 14, Dr. Adithya Mathews successfully performed the procedure on a patient at TGH Spring Hill, making it the first center in Hernando County to utilize the device. “One of the great advantages of Abbott’s device is that less metal in the body is far better for our patients,” he explains.
“Using a drug-coated dissolvable system without a metal stent scaffold is a novel and preferable approach. This is truly the future of PAD care.”
Adds TGH Spring Hill Cath Lab Director Randi Wendelstedt, RCIS:
“This advancement allows us to treat patients with advanced peripheral artery disease, offering better outcomes for those with critical ischemia below the knee. We’re proud to have launched this program and to be expanding the care we provide to our community.”
Though peripheral artery disease is highly prevalent in the U.S., many people have not heard about it – even though 20 million people in the country are living with the condition and only 10% have been diagnosed.
Until now, there were limited treatment options approved for blocked arteries below the knee in the United States. But thanks to the Esprit BTK, that no longer is the case. The system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last April. And now, sufferers on the North Suncoast can find relief – and hope – thanks to Tampa General.
