Abbott Begins Trial of Drug-Eluting Resorbable Scaffold for Critical Limb Ischemia

Abbott has started a U.S. clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of its Esprit below-the-knee system, a drug-eluting resorbable scaffold designed to treat reduced blood flow.

The device provides controlled release of everolimus, a drug that delays cell proliferation and reduces scar tissue growth that can lead to vessel blockage.

The trial is the first investigational device exemption study in the U.S. for a fully resorbable device to treat blocked arteries below the knees, also known as critical limb ischemia.