CIS and Terrebonne General are First in Louisiana to Use the Spur® Peripheral Retrievable Stent System to Treat Artery Disease Below the Knee
JUNE 16, 2025 – HOUMA, LA – Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) and Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General) are the first in Louisiana to use the Spur® Peripheral Retrievable Stent System to treat chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) in the lower legs. CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Pradeep Nair performed this procedure on June 5 at Terrebonne General Health System.
Developed by Reflow Medical, the Spur® Peripheral Retrievable Stent System is the first and only retrievable stent designed to restore blood flow in narrowed below-the-knee arteries following balloon angioplasty. Featuring a self-expanding stent with integrated balloon dilation technology, the Spur System temporarily supports the artery, widens blockages, and improves circulation—all without leaving a permanent implant behind. This innovative, minimally invasive solution represents a significant advancement in the treatment of peripheral artery disease, particularly for patients with complex or calcified lesions in the lower leg, and provides physicians with a flexible, precise tool for achieving optimal outcomes.
"Treating below-the-knee (BTK) arterial disease in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is plagued by early vessel recoil and re-occlusion after standard balloon angioplasty," said Dr. Nair. "We try to combat this with treatments like atherectomy and stents. Yet, it can be impractical to treat long-segment and multi-vessel BTK disease—often the norm in CLI—with multiple stents. The Spur stent system allows us to modify plaques and combat vessel recoil by utilizing a retrievable stent that can be used both in longer lesions and multiple vessels if required. What this means for the patient is that we are essentially getting a stent-like result without the need to leave any metal behind. In my opinion, this is a big win in our fight against CLI."
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a late stage of peripheral artery disease, which affects blood flow to the legs and feet. Symptoms may include painful cramping during exercise, sores that won’t heal, numbness, coldness, discoloration, or a weak pulse in the foot or leg. Those experiencing symptoms should consult with their cardiologist for evaluation and treatment options.
Learn more about CIS or schedule an appointment near you at www.cardio.com.
About Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease, venous disease and interventional procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 1,150 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 23 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with 11 telemedicine programs. CIS has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as a Best Place to Work in Healthcare for four years in a row. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 40 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.
About Terrebonne General Health System
Terrebonne General Health System is the largest healthcare resource provider in southeast Louisiana that has taken the lead to deliver medical excellence and innovation to the people of Southeast Louisiana. Driven by a "high tech" and "high touch" style of healing that offers an expansive range of services that provide hospital care and preventive care while also providing basic healthcare needs on and offsite. Our highly skilled healthcare team consists of over 1,500 employees, with over 450 medical staff providers that offer 42 various specialties. Our system has been honored with many prestigious awards and accolades for quality, safety, and patient experience on the state, national and international levels. Terrebonne General took the lead to initiate a public/private partnership with Ochsner Health which delivers crucial safety-net services for the region through Chabert Medical Center and is part of an alliance of healthcare-focused entities across the greater Gulf South region. For more information, please visit www.tghealthsystem.com and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
