Central Carolina Hospital (CCH) has made history as the first hospital in both North and South Carolina to perform a new stent procedure called Spur RST (Retrievable Scaffold Therapy). This medical advancement is aimed at treating below-the-knee (BTK) tibial arterial disease, which affects blood flow in the lower leg.
The groundbreaking procedure was conducted on June 23 by Dr. Rajiv Swamy, an interventional cardiologist at CCH’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. It primarily targets patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe form of peripheral arterial disease that can lead to serious complications if untreated.
BTK tibial arterial disease involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries below the knee, particularly those crucial for supplying blood to the lower leg and foot. Treatment options typically include endovascular procedures such as angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting, alongside surgical bypasses.
The new procedure utilizes a special scaffolding stent developed by ReflowMedical. This retrievable stent works with a balloon catheter to advance treatment for BTK tibial arterial disease significantly. It is especially beneficial for patients with complex calcified narrowing in their lower leg arteries.
Dr. Swamy explained that “as a self-expanding, retrievable stent, this new system is designed for controlled penetration to maximize treatment outcomes without compromising on patient safety.” The Spur stent system supports artery function temporarily without leaving a permanent implant and boasts a 99.2 percent technical success rate.
Dave Santoemma, CEO of Central Carolina Hospital, expressed pride in this achievement under Dr. Swamy’s leadership: “Under Dr. Swamy’s expert medical leadership, we are proud to be the first hospital in the Carolinas to offer this type of innovative approach to treating patients with peripheral arterial disease.”
