UAE—Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah has successfully implanted the first Esprit™ BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System in the UAE.

This innovative operation represents an enormous leap forward in the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) below-the-knee (BTK), giving patients suffering from this dire condition renewed optimism.

The Esprit BTK System, a first-of-its-kind dissolvable stent launched in the UAE, marks a significant advancement in vascular intervention.

The Esprit™ BTK System, approved by the FDA in April 2024, keeps arteries open while releasing everolimus, a medication that aids in vascular healing before the scaffold dissolves.

This novel gadget is made of materials similar to those used to dissolve sutures, and it offers a one-of-a-kind answer to a challenging medical problem.

The scaffold will be implanted via a catheter-based minimally invasive approach.

Once installed, the scaffold supports the artery and encourages healing, ensuring that the conduit remains open and functional in the long run.

This method not only helps to restore normal blood flow, but it also considerably decreases the hazards associated with conventional treatments.

Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, Director of Al Qassimi Hospital, emphasised the significance of this achievement, calling the successful implantation as a watershed moment in the UAE’s healthcare development.

He emphasised that the Esprit stent provides a breakthrough therapeutic option for patients with below-the-knee artery blockages, which frequently result in amputations and have a significant mortality rate within five years of treatment.

This innovation demonstrates Emirates Health Services’ commitment to improving healthcare quality and positively impacting patient lives through cutting-edge medical technology.

This achievement is consistent with the UAE’s leadership vision and the lofty objectives of the “We the UAE” 2031 vision and the UAE Centenary 2071.

In addition, Samih Al Mawass, Division Vice President for Abbott Vascular business in EMEA, commented on the significance of this milestone.

He noted that the successful introduction of Abbott’s Esprit™ BTK scaffold in Al Qassimi Hospital sets a new benchmark for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia below the knee.

Al Mawass further highlighted that being the first country across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to perform this procedure clearly reflects Emirates Health Services’ commitment to advancing healthcare standards and offering patients new possibilities through innovative technologies.

Globally, more than 20 million people are living with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, yet only about 10% are diagnosed.

The limited treatment options for blocked arteries below the knee have historically resulted in high amputation rates and five-year mortality rates.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee is a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) characterized by clogged arteries that prevent adequate blood flow and oxygen from reaching the lower leg and foot.

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