Our Summary

The EMINENT research study was conducted to compare two types of stents used in treating a common type of peripheral artery disease. Stents are small tubes placed into narrowed or blocked arteries to help keep them open. One of the stents being compared was the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Stent (DES), which releases a drug to help prevent the artery from blocking again, while the other was a more traditional, non-drug releasing, Bare Metal Stent (BMS).

The study involved 775 patients, all of whom had symptomatic peripheral artery disease affecting the femoropopliteal segment, which includes the main artery in the thigh and the one behind the knee. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either the DES or BMS.

The study found that after a year, the DES was more effective at keeping the artery open compared to the BMS. The patients with the DES also saw a greater improvement in their symptoms. However, the quality of life and walking function improvements were similar for patients with both types of stents. The study did not find any significant difference in the death rate between the two groups after a year.

In conclusion, the results suggest that the drug-releasing stent could be a better first choice for treating patients with this type of peripheral artery disease.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the EMINENT research study?
  2. What were the key findings of the study comparing Eluvia Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) and Bare Metal Stent (BMS) in treating peripheral artery disease?
  3. Does the study suggest any difference in death rate between patients treated with DES and BMS?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it is important to discuss all options with your doctor and consider your individual health needs and preferences when making a decision about treatment. Remember to follow your doctor’s recommendations for post-operative care, including taking prescribed medications, monitoring your symptoms, and attending follow-up appointments. Stay active, eat a healthy diet, and avoid smoking to help maintain the health of your arteries and prevent further complications. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for peripheral artery bypass surgery are those with symptomatic peripheral artery disease affecting the femoropopliteal segment, specifically the main artery in the thigh and the one behind the knee. These patients may experience symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, or weakness during physical activity, which can significantly impact their quality of life. In these cases, a peripheral artery bypass may be recommended to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

Based on the findings of the EMINENT research study, patients who may benefit from the Eluvia Drug-Eluting Stent (DES) include those with peripheral artery disease affecting the femoropopliteal segment who are at risk of the artery blocking again. The DES was shown to be more effective at keeping the artery open compared to the traditional Bare Metal Stent (BMS), leading to greater symptom improvement.

Ultimately, the decision to recommend peripheral artery bypass surgery or a specific type of stent will depend on the individual patient’s condition, symptoms, and risk factors. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before the peripheral artery bypass procedure:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of peripheral artery disease such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or angiography to determine the extent of the blockage in the affected artery.
  3. Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including the possibility of a peripheral artery bypass surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations, which may include blood tests, imaging scans, and medication adjustments.

After the peripheral artery bypass procedure:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room immediately after the surgery.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and to manage pain and prevent complications.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected limb.
  4. Patient follows a prescribed rehabilitation plan to promote healing and prevent future blockages.
  5. Patient has regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and adjust treatment as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions that a patient should ask their doctor about peripheral artery bypass include:

  1. What type of stent will be used in my procedure? Will it be a drug-eluting stent like the Eluvia DES or a bare metal stent?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using a drug-eluting stent compared to a bare metal stent in my specific case?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with each type of stent?
  4. How long can I expect the stent to remain effective in keeping the artery open?
  5. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific treatment plan after the procedure to maintain the effectiveness of the stent?
  6. What improvements in my symptoms or quality of life can I expect after the procedure with either type of stent?
  7. How will the choice of stent impact my ability to engage in physical activities or exercise?
  8. Are there any other treatment options or alternative procedures that I should consider in addition to a peripheral artery bypass with a stent?
  9. What is the success rate of peripheral artery bypass procedures with drug-eluting stents compared to bare metal stents in general?
  10. Are there any ongoing studies or clinical trials that I should be aware of regarding the use of different types of stents for peripheral artery disease?

Reference

Authors: Gouëffic Y, Torsello G, Zeller T, Esposito G, Vermassen F, Hausegger KA, Tepe G, Thieme M, Gschwandtner M, Kahlberg A, Schindewolf M, Sapoval M, Diaz-Cartelle J, Stavroulakis K; EMINENT Investigators. Journal: Circulation. 2022 Nov 22;146(21):1564-1576. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.059606. Epub 2022 Oct 18. PMID: 36254728