Auckland City Hospital has performed the first MicroStent implantation procedure in the Asia-Pacific region, marking an important milestone in the use of the device for restoring blood flow in some Below-The-Knee (BTK) arterial procedures.

Developed and manufactured by MicroMedical Solutions, the MicroStent is a self-expanding nitinol stent designed for use in BTK vessels.

The procedure was performed by Associate Professor Andrew Holden, Director of the Northern Region Interventional Radiology Service at Auckland Hospital, for a patient with significantly reduced blood flow in the left foot. Reduced blood flow in the lower limbs can be associated with pain, tissue loss and, in severe cases, risk of amputation.

During the procedure, Associate Professor Holden implanted a MicroStent to provide structural support within the artery. Following implantation, the treating team observed improved blood flow with no significant residual narrowing reported in this case.

The case involved an anatomically challenging treatment location. Balloon-expandable stents may be vulnerable to compression, crushing or fracturing when placed near joints that experience regular movement. The MicroStent’s self-expanding design and radial resistive strength are intended to support vessel patency in appropriate clinical settings, subject to patient selection and clinical judgement.

The first use of the MicroStent in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates its potential role in selected complex BTK arterial cases where maintaining blood flow is critical to achieving a positive patient outcome.

Lisa Kirsch, Director of Sales – Surgical & Hospital at Device Technologies, said: “We believe this first use of the MicroStent in the region represents an important first step toward expanding access to innovative vascular therapies across the region and supporting physicians in improving patient outcomes.”

Supported by Device Technologies, a leader in medical innovation across Australia and New Zealand, the launch of the MicroStent in the region focuses on enabling surgeons to deliver enhanced patient outcomes.