Dr. Craig Walker Is First in the Country to Use New Biotronik Stent System to Treat Peripheral Artery Disease

AUGUST 3, 2022 - GRAY, La - Dr. Craig Walker, interventional cardiologist and founder, president, and medical director of Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in the country to use the Pulsar-18 T3 peripheral self-expanding stent system to improve implantation procedures to treat artery blockages in the legs. The procedure took place on August 3 at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, Louisiana with Dr. Matthew Finn, interventional cardiologist, who recently joined the CIS team.

Manufactured by Biotronik, the system’s 4-French size low-profile delivery system decreases the risk of access site complications and reduces the need for closure devices, compared to 6-French devices. The low profile of the stent also allows the operator to inject around the device to assist with accurate placement while using a smaller diameter sheath. Additionally, the unique tri-axial system with braided shaft design enables stable and accurate implantation of the stent. With its thin struts and its low chronic outward force on the vessel wall, the Pulsar-18 stent reduces the risk of the artery becoming blocked again. The redesigned system also provides physicians with an intuitive and ergonomic wheel-operated handle for one-handed stent release, with enhanced control during deployment.

“The smaller sheath size of this system expands the delivery and access options to treat our patients, giving them a lower risk of bleeding complications,” said Dr. Walker. “This stent has also been demonstrated to show excellent patency. The tri-axial delivery system allows accurate stent placement and it is incredibly useful in cases using the pedal approach. We are proud to be the first to pilot this beneficial system at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray and make it available to our patients.”

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a CIS physician, visit www.cardio.com.

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease, venous disease and interventional procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 1,075 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 22 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 10 telemedicine programs. CIS has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare for three years in a row. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 38 years of excellence.  For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.