Delray Medical Center (DMC) successfully implanted the Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System (Esprit™ BTK System), a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent for people with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) below-the-knee (BTK). DMC is the first hospital in Palm Beach County to utilize the Esprit in surgery. The procedure was completed by vascular surgeon Dr. Joseph Ricotta, National Medical Director of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy for Tenet Healthcare and Professor of Surgery and Program Director of the vascular surgery fellowship at Florida Atlanta University School of Medicine.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2024, the Esprit BTK System is designed to keep arteries open and deliver a drug called everolimus to support vessel healing prior to dissolving. 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.
“The FDA’s approval of Esprit BTK System is a step forward in below-the-knee therapy. This new treatment option supports healing while reducing the risk of long-term complications,” said Dr. Ricotta. “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 bioresorbable stent.”
