Clinical Research Directory

Rotational Atherectomy and Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty With Embolic Protection for Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusions

Peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow to the legs. In some patients, the superficial femoral artery, a major artery in the thigh, is completely blocked over a long segment. This study will evaluate a minimally invasive treatment for these blockages. Approximately 60 adults who require endovascular treatment will undergo placement of a filter beyond the blockage to collect debris. Rotational atherectomy will then be used to remove part of the material causing the blockage, followed by drug-coated balloon angioplasty to widen the artery. A stent may be placed only if needed because of an inadequate treatment result or a procedure-related complication. Participants will be evaluated by clinical examination and duplex ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The main goal is to determine how often the treated artery remains open at 12 months. The study will also evaluate technical success, the need for repeat treatment, material captured by the filter, and procedure-related blockage of smaller downstream arteries.