October 2, 2019
Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Ankur Lodha; Emily Groetsch, RN; Carol Michaud, RN; Jason Prather RT(R); Timothy Walker RN, CCRN; Shelia Cormier, RN; and Erica Stelly RT(R). This team in the CIS office-based cath lab in Lafayette used the stent after it was first used by Dr. Lodha and the cath lab team at Lafayette General Medical Center.
LAFAYETTE- Dr. Ankur Lodha, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South, is the first in the world to use the R2P™ MISAGO® RX self-expanding stent, the longest stent platform that is specifically designed for above-the-knee peripheral artery disease (PAD) interventions via radial access through the wrist.
Manufactured by Terumo Interventional Systems, this self-expanding peripheral stent incorporates Rapid Exchange (RX) technology and innovative bare metal stent design. The increased flexibility lowers the potential for stent fracture, and the simplified thumbwheel system allows for single and precise operator deployment.
“Peripheral artery disease intervention can now safely be performed entirely via radial access through the wrist,” explained Dr. Lodha. “The Misago stent is the first-of-its-kind with a shaft length of 200 centimeters. Patients can now be discharged earlier following their intervention without the need for prolonged bed rest, which will significantly improve patient safety, patient comfort, and patient satisfaction.”
This stent is used to treat a condition called peripheral artery disease, which is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in the legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs keep the organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood, which raises the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. PAD is a common and treatable disease, but it is often unrecognized and undiagnosed. Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and lead to amputation if left untreated.
Symptoms of PAD in the legs include: pain or cramping after activity, numbness, coldness, sores or ulcers that won’t heal, discoloration, hair loss, shiny skin, or a weak pulse. The risk of developing PAD increases with age and is highest for those over 50 years old. Smoking increases the chance of developing PAD three to five times. Other common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and a family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.
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