Highpoint Health First in TN to Implant New Dissolvable Stent

Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas recently announced it is the first hospital in Tennessee to successfully implant a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent for people with chronic limb-threatening below-the-knee ischemia. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2024, the dissolvable stent, clinically referred to as Esprit™ BTK System, is designed to keep arteries open and deliver a drug, called Everolimus, to support vessel healing prior to dissolving.

Ischemia is a condition in which blood flow is restricted or reduced in a part of the body and until now, there were limited treatment options approved for blocked arteries below-the-knee, which is a serious form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when arteries become clogged with plaque, preventing blood flow and oxygen from reaching the lower leg and foot. It is a painful disease, often goes undiagnosed, and can lead to amputations. The Esprit™ BTK System solves this unmet need. Comprised of materials similar to dissolving sutures, the device is implanted through a catheter-based minimally invasive outpatient procedure in the hospital cath lab. The scaffold helps heal the vessel and provides support until it is strong enough to remain open on its own.

Dr. Gary Yawn with Ascension Saint Thomas Heart performed the premiere procedure at Highpoint Health – Sumner, which recently partnered with Ascension Saint Thomas so patients will have better access to more advanced care closer to home. More advanced cardiac services have been an early focus of the partnership, and the impact on the community is evident.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our patients the latest technological advancements to treat this form of PAD,” Dr. Yawn said. “This new treatment option supports healing while reducing the risk of long-term complications.”

“We couldn’t be happier that the first use of this unique artery scaffolding system occurred in Sumner County,” said Rod Harkleroad, RN, Market President and CEO for Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas’s three hospitals. “We are absolutely committed to bringing the best providers and technology to our patients. There is no longer a need to have to travel long distances to get the best in cardiac care.”

Donald Sloan, 71, was one of the first patients to receive the implant. He and his wife, Maureen Woods, who are moving into a home on five acres in Westmoreland, spoke with Dr. Yawn about the possibility prior to the procedure. They both hoped the procedure would allow Donald to walk without pain again. As Dr. Yawn opened the vessels during Donald’s catheterization, each blockage became tighter as he tunneled further down the leg arteries toward the foot. The doctor wound up using two scaffolding systems. Sloan immediately felt a tingle, indicating increased blood flow.

Maureen says the two of them are looking forward to living their Golden Years together. She finally convinced Donald to see a doctor because she was worried about him losing his foot and seriously putting a damper on their lifestyle. She explained that the couple is from Scotland, and Donald is a country boy through and through raised on a farm. She’s a baker and cherishes her time baking for Donald and eating sticky toffee pudding together. Donald is “pig-headed and stubborn,” she joked, and it took immobility to get him to go to the doctor. “I’m happy to have him walk again.”

Donald is just one of over 20 million people in the country living with PAD. 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 better able to achieve our goal of improving our patient’s quality and longevity of life,” Dr. Yawn said. “Of course, we are excited to be the first, but now it’s our duty to be the best we can be for the people we serve.”

To learn more about heart and vascular care at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, please visit highpointhealthsystem.com/cardiac-care.