Abbott’s Esprit BTK Stent Demonstrates Sustained Benefits in Treating Severe Peripheral Artery Disease Below the Knee

FDA Approval:
The Esprit BTK System, a breakthrough dissolving stent developed by Abbott, received FDA approval in April 2024 for treating chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) below the knee.

Clinical Trial Outcomes:
The LIFE-BTK trial, which evaluated the Esprit BTK System, showed sustained benefits over balloon angioplasty, the standard of care, with fewer repeat procedures needed at two years.

Efficacy:
90.3% of patients treated with Esprit BTK did not require reintervention at 24 months, demonstrating long-term durability in reducing reclosures and helping vessels stay open.

Comparison to Balloon Angioplasty:
Patients treated with Esprit BTK had significantly greater freedom from CLTI compared to those treated with balloon angioplasty (61.5% vs. 32.8%).

Post-Approval Study:
Abbott launched a post-approval study to evaluate the continued safety and effectiveness of Esprit BTK in a real-world setting.

Impact on PAD Treatment:
The Esprit BTK System is considered a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent, marking a significant milestone in the fight against peripheral artery disease below the knee.