Terrebonne General and CIS are First in the Gulf South to Use the New FDA-Approved Esprit™ System to Treat Artery Disease Below the Knee

Houma, LA – Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General) and Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) are the first in the Gulf South and only one of five in the country to use the new FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK (Below the Knee) Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System, a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent to treat chronic limb-threatening ischemia in the lower legs. The first procedure was performed by CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Pradeep Nair on May 16 in the cath lab at Terrebonne General. This new technology was also used for the first time at the CIS Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gray, Louisiana, as Dr. Nair broadcasted a live case during the New Cardiovascular Horizons conference. 

Manufactured by Abbott, the Esprit™ BTK System is implanted during a minimally-invasive procedure and is designed to keep arteries open while delivering the drug Everolimus to facilitate vessel restoration and protect against future blockages. The system provides support for about three years and then dissolves, as it is made of material similar to sutures or stitches. 

Up until now, there were no stents or drug-coated balloons in the U.S. that were FDA-approved for use below-the-knee. The standard of care has been balloon angioplasty, where a small balloon is inserted via a catheter to the open the vessel and restore blood flow. However, blockages treated with balloon angioplasty have mixed short- and long-term results, and in some cases, vessels become blocked again. 

Dr. Pradeep Nair was a part of the pivotal research trial that led to the device’s FDA approval. “Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia are at a constant risk for losing their leg, and a high percentage of them have blockages in the tibial arteries located below the knee,” explained Dr. Nair. “The concept of ‘leaving nothing behind’ is one that I feel is the future of peripheral intervention. This system combines the benefits of drug elution and vessel scaffolding to keep vessels open longer and has the added benefit of completely resorbing into the vessel within a few years. This technology is transformative for our patients suffering from chronic limb ischemia.” 

“We are truly thrilled to offer this innovative technology to our patients with our continued partnership of 41 years with CIS and look forward to bringing new advancements in cardiology services,” said Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO of Terrebonne General. “Our dedication to high-quality care enables us to offer the most advanced procedures to better serve our patients and community."

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a late stage of peripheral artery disease, referring to vascular disease in the legs. Symptoms may include painful cramping during exercise, sores, numbness, coldness, discoloration or a weak pulse in the foot or leg. Those with symptoms should consult with their cardiologist.

About Terrebonne General Health System 

Terrebonne General Health System is the largest healthcare resource provider in southeast Louisiana that has taken the lead to deliver medical excellence and innovation to the people of Southeast Louisiana.   Driven by a "high tech" and "high touch" style of healing that offers an expansive range of services that provide hospital care and preventive care while also providing basic healthcare needs on and offsite. Our highly skilled healthcare team consists of over 1,400 employees, with over 450 medical staff providers that offer 42 various specialties. Our system has been honored with many prestigious awards and accolades for quality, safety, and patient experience on the state, national and international levels. Terrebonne General took the lead to initiate a public/private partnership with Ochsner Health which delivers crucial safety-net services for the region through Chabert Medical Center and is part of an alliance of healthcare-focused entities across the greater Gulf South region. For more information, please visit www.tghealthsystem.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 1,150 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 21 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 11 telemedicine programs. CIS has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare for four 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 40 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.