Clinical trials begin for bioresorbable peripheral artery disease treatment

Today, Abbott announced the start of European clinicals trial to evaluate its new Esprit™ drug eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) for the treatment of blockages in the peripheral arteries. The Esprit drug eluting BVS is made of polylactide, the same biocompatible material used in the company's Absorb™ drug eluting BVS for coronary artery disease, which has been authorized for sale in Europe and is investigational in the United States. Esprit is designed to restore blood flow by opening a blocked vessel and providing support until it is healed, like today’s common stents. However, the scaffold dissolves once the vessel can remain open without extra support, leaving the vessel free of a permanent metallic implant. Because no permanent implant is left behind, clinical outcomes may be improved and options for retreatment may be more flexible.