Initial results of endovascular drug-eluting stent placement for the treatment of chronic lower extremity arterial disease at Thong Nhat Hospital

Introduction: Chronic lower extremity arterial disease is increasingly common, particularly among elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Drug-eluting stents have emerged as an effective endovascular option, offering improved patency and reduced restenosis. This study is to evaluate the initial outcomes of drug-eluting stent placement for chronic lower extremity arterial disease at Thong Nhat Hospital. Patients and Methods: A retrospective case-series study was conducted on 35 patients with chronic lower extremity arterial disease who underwent endovascular drug-eluting stent placement between 1/2022 and 12/2024. Outcome measures included changes in Rutherford classification, ankle–brachial index (ABI), wound healing rate, vascular patency, and mortality. Clinical and imaging follow-up assessments were performed at 6, 12, and 24 months after the intervention. Results: Significant improvement in clinical symptoms and ABI values was observed at follow-up (p < 0.001). Wound healing rates were 84.6% at 6 months and 100% at 24 months. Primary patency at 24 months was 88.6%. Conclusions: Drug-eluting stent placement demonstrates favorable mid-term efficacy in improving limb perfusion and wound healing with an acceptable safety profile in patients with chronic lower extremity arterial disease.