St. Vincent’s hospital became the first in the state to successfully implant a new technology that helps circulate blood flow for people with a disease affecting millions of Americans.

The Birmingham hospital is now using dissolvable stents for patients who need below-the-knee treatment for peripheral arterial disease.

“This new treatment option supports healing while reducing the risk of long-term complications,” said Dr. Christopher DeGroat, a cardiologist at St. Vincent’s, in a news release.

The treatment, called the Esprit BTK System, is meant for severe cases, where patients may face the risk of losing a limb. In those cases, the hospital said arteries become clogged with plaque, and blood flow and oxygen can’t reach the lower leg and foot — referred to as chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee.

Peripheral artery disease affects an estimated 20 million people nationwide, though only about 10% have been diagnosed, according to St. Vincent’s. The disease disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities — nearly one in three Black adults and one in five Hispanic adults have developed it.

About 20% of people over the age of 60 are affected by the disease, according to the Heart Center at Huntsville Hospital.

Risk factors include age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The FDA approved the new treatment in April.

The technology helps open an artery blockage once implanted through a catheter — ‘a minimally invasive procedure,’ according to the hospital. It then emits a drug called everolimus which helps heal blood vessels before dissolving.

“We’re excited to be able to offer our patients the latest technological advancements to treat chronic limb-threatening ischemia below-the-knee such as Abbott’s new dissolvable stent,” DeGroat added.