The Role of Covered Stents in Treating Iliac Disease

The Advancement in Iliac Artery Intervention

Iliac artery occlusive disease (IAOD), a form of peripheral artery disease, presents a significant clinical challenge. While bare metal stents (BMS) have been effective for less complex lesions (TASC A and B), their long-term efficacy in more challenging cases has been limited. This is where covered stents are changing the landscape, offering a durable solution that is often less invasive than traditional surgical bypass.

Why Covered Stents are a Game Changer

Covered stents are a type of stent graft with a thin, impermeable polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) covering. This sheath creates a barrier that separates the blood flow from the vessel wall, preventing the ingress of blood into the atherosclerotic plaque. This is particularly crucial for treating complex occlusive disease, such as TASC C and D lesions, where the risk of re-stenosis is higher.

The clinical evidence for covered stents is compelling. Studies have shown they achieve superior long-term patency rates compared to bare metal stents, especially in complex cases. By creating a smooth channel for blood flow and providing a strong radial force, they significantly reduce the likelihood of the artery narrowing again. This means fewer re-interventions for patients and a more effective long-term outcome.

Benefits of Covered Stent Technology

• Improved Patency Rates: The covered design prevents neo-intimal hyperplasia and re-stenosis, leading to more durable results.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: They are excellent for managing vessel rupture and sealing off aneursyms, providing an added layer of safety during the procedure.
• Minimally Invasive: As an endovascular procedure, the intervention is less traumatic for the patient than open surgery, leading to faster recovery times.
• Precise Placement: Balloon expandable covered stents offer high accuracy, which is essential when placing stents in the common iliac artery or at the aortic bifurcation.

GAP Medical Solutions proudly distributes leading covered stents, such as the iCover from iVascular, designed to provide superior performance and excellent clinical results for medical professionals in the UK.