Saint Thomas physician places new type of stent

Dr. Paul McMullan of Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital just became the first physician in Tennessee and in Ascension nationally to place an R2P MISAGO® RX Self-expanding Peripheral Stent, a newly launched product by Terumo Interventional Systems. The outpatient procedure was a success and the patient was discharged less than 2 hours post-surgery.

Peripheral artery disease is a gradual narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, stomach, and head. Caused by plaque buildup within the arteries, this narrowing phenomenon can result in compromised blood circulation and the formation of life-threatening blood clots. Age, obesity, family history, diabetes, and high blood pressure are all risk factors, as are lack of exercise and a history of smoking. With treatment options such as atherectomy and stent placement, physicians can improve blood circulation, diminish the likelihood of clot occurrence, and decrease the patient’s risk of having a heart attack.

The R2P (Radial to Peripheral) portfolio allows doctors to treat peripheral artery disease with fewer complications than traditional methods by accessing the patient’s radial artery in the wrist, rather than through the groin or leg. Studies have shown that radial intervention lowers the chances of increased blood loss, reduces recovery time, and accelerates the discharge process.

Dr. McMullan and his team are pictured below. For additional information or to interview Dr. McMullan, please contact me at 731-234-6422.