Abbott’s Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System (Esprit™ BTK System) offers a new option for people with the most extreme form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) for arteries below-the-knee (BTK)
ALBUQUERQUE – April 15, 2025 – Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (HHNM) today announced it successfully implanted 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). Trent Proffitt, MD, vascular surgeon with New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group implanted the Esprit BTK System, which works 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. 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 Esprit BTK System is a step forward in below-the-knee, limb-saving therapy,” said Dr. Proffitt. “This new treatment option supports healing while reducing the risk of long-term complications. We’re excited to be able to offer the latest technological advancements to treat our patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.”
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee is a severe form of PAD that occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, and blood flow and oxygen cannot reach the lower leg and foot. Over 20 million people in the U.S. are living with PAD and only 10% of those people have been diagnosed. PAD disproportionately affects the Black and Hispanic communities with nearly 1 in 3 Black adults and 1 in 5 Hispanic adults developing the disease.
“We are proud to lead the city in providing the latest treatment options for New Mexicans suffering from CLTI,” said Brian Miller, chief executive officer of HHNM. “Our clinicians, surgeons, staff and caregivers are committed to providing the highest quality of vascular to our patients, all while staying close to home.”
To learn more about HHNM and its commitment to providing quality and state-of-the art cardiovascular care, please visit hearthospitalnm.com. To make an appointment with a New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group provider, please call 505-727-2727 or schedule an appointment at your convenience by visiting https://lovelacemedicalgroup.com/appointment.
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Contact:
Whitney Alcantar, Lovelace Health System
Phone: 505-727-5503
About Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (HHNM) is New Mexico’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to cardiovascular care, including the state’s only facility performing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implants and was recently re-credentialed by DNV through 2026 as a Ventricular Assist Device Facility and was LVAD-accredited by The Joint Commission. The 55-bed facility, which features a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room where surgeons can perform advanced surgical services for cardiovascular patients, has become synonymous with high quality, technologically advanced cardiac care. HHNM was named a fourth consecutive Top Teaching Hospital from 2020 - 2024 by Leapfrog Hospital Safety for its quality of care, including practices for safer surgery and capacity to prevent medication errors and has three times been named to The Best Hospital in America List for 2021 - 2023 (small teaching hospital category) by Money and the Leapfrog Group for its quality, safe care, a reputation for excellent patient experiences and an ethical approach to treatment. To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, visit hearthospitalnm.com.
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