Newcastle Hospital Pioneers Use of Innovative Dissolving Stent

The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle has made a significant advancement in the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) by successfully implanting the Esprit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System, a new dissolving stent developed by Abbott. This innovative procedure, aimed at individuals suffering from PAD below the knee, marks a potential turning point in vascular care, particularly for those who have limited options.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), approximately one in five adults over the age of 60 in the UK are affected by some form of PAD. Until now, management options have largely revolved around lifestyle modifications and medications aimed at alleviating symptoms. Surgical interventions have been scarce, leaving many patients without effective treatment alternatives.

The Esprit BTK System, which received European approval in August 2023, offers a minimally invasive solution for patients at select hospitals throughout the UK. This system is designed to keep arteries open while delivering everolimus, a drug that enhances vessel healing. Over time, the stent is absorbed by the body, leaving no permanent device behind.

The first implantation was performed by James McCaslin, a consultant vascular surgeon at Freeman Hospital and president of the British Society of Endovascular Therapy. McCaslin emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, “This new stent provides a fantastic option for the treatment of artery disease below the knee, which often threatens the life of the lower leg.” He further explained that the stent is inserted using a catheter through a small incision, commonly referred to as keyhole surgery.

PAD can lead to severe pain, non-healing wounds, and, in extreme cases, limb amputation, drastically reducing mobility and quality of life. The prevalence of the condition is alarming, with around 50 million people in Europe affected, double the number reported in the United States. By addressing this critical health concern with advanced technology, healthcare providers hope to improve patient outcomes significantly.

The rollout of the Esprit BTK System is set to expand to several hospitals across the UK, including St Thomas’ Hospital in London and Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. Jonathan Wood, Regional Director for Abbott Vascular in Northern Europe, expressed pride in introducing this innovative technology, stating, “We believe this technology represents a real breakthrough in vascular care.” He highlighted that the device not only opens and supports blood vessels during healing but also releases a drug to minimize future plaque accumulation, which can worsen the patient’s condition.

Research indicates that 90% of patients treated with the Esprit BTK System do not require additional procedures, a statistic that underscores the potential effectiveness of this new treatment. Wood concluded by reinforcing Abbott’s commitment to enhancing care for individuals with vascular disease, stating, “Our goal is simple: help patients live healthier, fuller lives.”

As the healthcare system embraces this novel approach to treating PAD, the implications for patient care could be transformative, paving the way for improved quality of life and reduced surgical interventions in the future.