Clinical Research Directory

an Observational Study Evaluting the Effectiveness and Safety of DKutting LL Noval Scoring Balloon Angioplasty for Vessel Preparation Facilitated by IVUS on the Lower Limb Ischemia Patients With Calcified Lesions

This is a prospective, single-center, single-arm, observational study. It plans to enroll 58 patients with moderate to severely calcified lesions in the femoropopliteal or infrapopliteal arteries. Participants will be treated with the Scoring Balloon Dilatation Catheter manufactured by DK Medtech (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. The study aims to evaluate the immediate technical success rate and the improvement in lumen area and calcification burden as assessed by IVUS following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with the scoring balloon. Clinical follow-ups will be conducted at discharge (or within 7 days), 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-procedure to observe secondary endpoints including the incidence of clinically driven target lesion revascularization and changes in Rutherford classification

Durg Coated Balloon Angioplasty in Infrapopliteal Lesions

This study is a multicenter observational study designed to evaluate the the effectiveness and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for below the knee arterial lesions in patients critical with Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI).

The THOR IDE Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the Thor system in adult (≥ 18 year old) patients with de novo (new, never treated) calcified lesions in infrainguinal (leg) arteries (peripheral artery disease or PAD). The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Is the Thor system safe in treating these lesions * Does the Thor system work to treat these lesions Participants will: * Receive treatment with the Thor system * Have follow-up visits at Discharge, 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by partial (hypopnea) or complete (apnea) obstruction of the upper airways, leading to intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a chronic condition defined by the narrowing or occlusion of arteries in the lower limbs, often resulting in ischemia of downstream tissues. This disease is a common complication of atherosclerosis and affects approximately 1.2% of the general French population. OSAS is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, particularly for coronary and neurovascular events. Although a relationship between OSAS and PAOD has been investigated in recent years, the link has not been definitively established and requires further study. Therefore, this preliminary cohort study aims to observe the prevalence of OSAS among patients diagnosed with PAOD, regardless of the disease stage.

Vitamin B6 on Exercise Pressor Reflex on Leg Ischemia-reperfusion

In this study, we are trying to see if vitamin B6 can minimize the amplified blood pressure response to exercise following ischemia-reperfusion injury. We are interested in a protein called P2X3, of which function can be blocked by vitamin B6, in the neurons of our nervous system. It is very important for blood pressure regulation. We would like to see if the P2X3 plays a role in patients' rising blood pressure during exercise. The results of the proposed studies will provide a base for those two potential economic and non-invasive inventions to improve the overall health and well-being of PAD patients.

The Value of Super-resolution Ultrasound Imaging for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a chronic atherosclerotic disorder characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the extracranial arteries distal to the aortic arch, most commonly affecting the lower extremities. This vascular compromise leads to tissue hypoperfusion, resulting in a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic disease to intermittent claudication, critical limb ischemia, and limb loss. The microvascular system comprises arterioles, capillaries, and post-capillary venules with diameters less than or equal to 100 micrometers. Emerging evidence underscores that microvascular dysfunction (MVD)-defined as structural and functional impairment of this microcirculatory network-plays a pivotal pathophysiological role in PAD progression, contributing to impaired perfusion reserve, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and tissue fibrosis, independent of macrovascular stenosis severity. Super-resolution ultrasound microvascular imaging (SRUMI) is an advanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound technique that leverages the nonlinear acoustic signatures of intravascular microbubble contrast agents (e.g., SonoVue) under ultra-low mechanical index (MI) pulsing schemes. Implemented on the Verasonics Vantage 256 research platform (Verasonics, Inc., Kirkland, WA, USA), SRUMI achieves in vivo visualization of microvascular architecture at sub-diffraction resolution (approximately 10-20 micrometers), surpassing conventional Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Key advantages include absence of ionizing radiation, negligible thermal and mechanical bioeffects, real-time capability, portability, and cost-effectiveness. As such, SRUMI represents a promising noninvasive tool to probe microvascular integrity in PAD, enabling mechanistic investigation of MVD's contribution to disease initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of SRUMI for assessing microvascular dysfunction in patients with PAD. The investigators prospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with PAD and admitted to the Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery at Peking University First Hospital. Primary objectives include: Characterizing lower-limb microvascular density, morphology, and perfusion patterns via SRUMI across PAD subgroups stratified by comorbidities-including diabetes mellitus, current or former smoking, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease; Assessing the concordance between SRUMI-derived microvascular parameters and established clinical and paraclinical markers, including symptom severity (Rutherford classification), ankle-brachial index (ABI), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and retinal microvascular findings on fundoscopy; Determining the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of baseline SRUMI metrics for major adverse limb events (MALE) and cardiovascular outcomes during longitudinal follow-up; and Comparing the incremental prognostic value of SRUMI against conventional modalities-including ABI, duplex ultrasonography, and clinical risk scores-using multivariable Cox regression and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Collectively, this research seeks to establish SRUMI as a quantitative, translatable biomarker of microvascular health in PAD, thereby advancing precision phenotyping, risk stratification, and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in this high-morbidity population.

Observational GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis With PROPATEN Bioactive Surface Global Registry

Collect real-world post-market clinical follow-up data on patients treated with the GORE® VIABAHN® Endoprosthesis with PROPATEN Bioactive Surface (VSX)

Telehealth to Improve Functional Status and Quality of Life in Veterans With PAD

The present study aims to increase Veteran access to supervised exercise therapy and expand its role in improving functional status, quality of life, and cardiovascular risk profile of Veterans with PAD.

Oxygen-guided Supervised Exercise Therapy

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease manifesting from systemic atherosclerosis, which blocks the leg arteries and results in insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities. Limb ischemia from PAD is the most common disorder treated within the vascular surgery service at the Omaha Veterans' Affairs Medical Center. PAD also accounts for one-third of the operations performed in the VA Medical Centers nationwide. This project aims to establish the feasibility and acceptability of a muscle oxygen-guided supervised exercise program for patients with PAD. The investigators will determine the potential benefits of using this intervention over standard supervised exercise therapy. This modified intervention may enable patients to increase overall physical activity without the negative impacts on muscle structure and function. Increasing physical activity will decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. If proven beneficial, the findings will lead to an improved exercise program that directly benefits veterans nationwide.

Leg Heat Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the benefits of home-based, leg heat therapy (HT) on lower-extremity functioning and quality of life in patients who suffer from lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). We will randomize 106 patients to one of two groups that either receive leg HT or a sham intervention. The primary study outcome is the change in 6-minute walk distance between baseline and the 12-week follow up. Secondary outcomes include changes in the short physical performance battery score, handgrip strength, quality of life (measured by the Walking Impairment Questionnaire and Short-Form (SF)-36 Questionnaire), calf muscle strength (measured using a calf ergometer), size (measured by magnetic resonance imaging) and bioenergetics (assessed using phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy), and physical activity (measured by accelerometer).

Sirolimus- vs. Paclitaxel-Drug Coated Ballons in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

This study is a prospective, interventional, multi-center 1:1 randomized non-inferiority trial. The trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of the Magic Touch PTA sirolimus drug-coated balloon in comparison to the treatment with PTX drug-coated balloon (control device) in patients with femoropopliteal artery disease.

Trial to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Sirolimus-Coated Balloon vs. Uncoated Standard Angioplasty for the Treatment of Below-the-knee Peripheral Arterial Disease

This study is a prospective, interventional, multicenter 1:1 randomized trial. The trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of the Magic Touch PTA sirolimus drug-coated balloon in comparison to the treatment with POBA (control device) in patients with advanced infrapopliteal artery disease.

Vascular Lab Resource (VLR) Biorepository

This is a study of biomarkers obtained from prospectively collected subject samples and their correlation with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The purpose of this initiative is to develop an enduring tool to allow for collaborative research between clinicians at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and basic scientists at the Lerner Research Institute. This collaboration will allow resources to be available to clinical and basic researchers alike. This tool will enable research of vascular disease in the Vascular Lab and will leverage this valuable asset to the fullest extent to allow for interdepartmental collaboration.

Myocardial Dysfunction Evaluation in Lower Extremity Arterial Disease Patients With Deformation Analysis

Single centre observational study to assess lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) patients' cardiac dysfunction with strain analyses and to assess connections between cardiac dysfunction, metabolomic changes and target organ damage in LEAD.

Optimizing Gait Rehabilitation for Veterans With Non-traumatic Lower Limb Amputation

The population of older Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation is growing. Following lower limb amputation, asymmetrical movements persist during walking and likely contribute to disabling sequelae including secondary pain conditions, poor gait efficiency, impaired physical function, and compromised skin integrity of the residual limb. This study seeks to address chronic gait asymmetry by evaluating the efficacy of two error-manipulation gait training programs to improve gait symmetry for Veterans with non-traumatic lower limb amputation. Additional this study will evaluate the potential of error-manipulation training programs to improve secondary measures of disability and residual limb skin health. Ultimately, this study aims to improve conventional prosthetic rehabilitation for Veterans with non-traumatic amputation through gait training programs based in motor learning principles, resulting in improved gait symmetry and lower incidence of long-term disability after non-traumatic lower limb amputation.

Monitoring Local Tissue Oxygen Changes Using the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform in Correlation to TcPO2

The purpose of this study is to monitor changes in local tissue oxygen levels in participants with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) using the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform. A transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) device is used to show correlations in oxygen dynamics. Oxygen dynamics are induced by a pressure cuff and position maneuvers. Study participants will participate in the study for 12 months with six (6) planned visits over the course of the study. The investigational device, the Wireless Lumee Oxygen Platform, consists of the Lumee Oxygen, a sterile soft injectable oxygen-sensitive hydrogel, designed to sense and report oxygen levels in the subcutaneous tissue. After initial insertion of the hydrogel in the subcutaneous tissue using the Lumee Pen (a sterile disposable injector device), tissue oxygen levels can be monitored continuously using the Lumee Patch (a non-invasive, non-sterile, wireless electronic device to collect, analyze and report tissue oxygen levels sensed by Lumee Oxygen Hydrogel) attached to the skin through the Lumee Patch Adhesive (designed to adhere the Lumee Patch). The Lumee Patch sends collected tissue oxygen data to the Lumee App which displays the collected data and operates up to four Lumee Patches.

Truway Diagnostic Tools in Primary Care

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Truway Health-sourced portable diagnostic devices, including ultrasound and blood glucose monitors, in early detection of chronic conditions in outpatient primary care settings. Conducted as a prospective interventional trial, 200 participants will be assigned to use these devices versus standard care over a 6-month period. The primary outcome is improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The study, led by Truway Health, Inc., aims to enhance accessible healthcare solutions starting at a New York site, with potential expansion to Miami.

PAtient Similarity for Decision-Making in Prevention of Cardiovascular Toxicity (PACT): A Feasibility Study

This is a single-center, double-arm, open-label, randomized feasibility study that will determine whether a novel clinical decision aid accessed via the electronic health record will be acceptable to both cancer survivors and their cardiologists, will favorably impact appropriate medication use and cardiac imaging surveillance, and will improve clinician and patient decision-making, perception, and behavior towards cardioprotective medication usage and cardiovascular disease imaging utilization.

Impact of Nrf2 Activation on Macrovascular, Microvascular & Leg Function & Walking Capacity in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with elevated oxidative stress, and oxidative stress has been implicated as the cause of reduced endothelial reactivity in individuals with PAD. Endothelial function is important because the endothelium contributes to the dilation of arteries during exercise, thereby implicating impaired endothelial function as a mechanism contributing to exacerbated exercise-induced ischemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that acute exogenous diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) intake will improve antioxidant capacity, thereby reducing oxidative stress and improving vascular function and walking capacity in those with PAD. During this study, participants will be administered diroximel fumarate or a placebo, and the acute effects of diroximel fumarate on vascular function and walking capacity will be assessed. Vascular function and walking capacity will be assessed with flow-mediated dilation, arterial stiffness, head-up tilt test, blood biomarkers, near-infrared spectroscopy, and a treadmill test. There will be a follow-up visit to assess blood work after diroximel fumarate.

Leg Exercise Assistive Paddling (LEAP) Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of leg exercise assistive paddling (LEAP) therapy during prolonged sitting (PS) on vascular and functional performance in those with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and age-matched controls. LEAP therapy is a novel application of passive limb movement to enhance blood flow through the legs without muscular contractions. Specifically, LEAP therapy is the rotational passive movement of the lower leg about the knee from 90 to 180 degrees of rotation at a cadence of 1Hz. Previous literature has indicated that this movement pattern can produce robust increases in blood flow in the passively moved limb in healthy individuals, and passive limb movement may protect vascular function during PS. However, the impact of LEAP therapy to improve blood flow in the legs of those with PAD during PS is unknown. Participants will participate in a randomized cross-over design study with 2 visits (LEAP therapy and no LEAP therapy). For the first visit, participants will be randomly allocated to receive LEAP therapy during 2.5 hours of PS or not. For the second visit, participants will sit for 2.5 hours and will receive the condition that they did not previously receive. Before and after PS, the following measurements will be made: flow-mediated dilation of the popliteal and brachial arteries, arterial stiffness with tonometry techniques, microvascular vasodilatory capacity and skeletal muscle metabolic rate with near-infrared spectroscopy, autonomic nervous system function, and there will be blood drawn from the antecubital vein. After PS, participants will participate in a graded exercise test to assess functional walking capacity. Finally, during PS, near-infrared spectroscopy on the calf muscles and electrocardiogram will be collected continuously to monitor muscle oxygen availability and autonomic activity, respectively.

Exercise Therapy for PAD Using Mobile Health

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent condition affecting up to 10% of Veterans that leads to loss of walking ability and increased risk of amputation. Veterans have limited access to supervised exercise therapy, a facility-based program proven to improve walking ability in PAD, which is poorly attended due to the inconvenience and cost of attending a 12-week program with multiple weekly sessions. This CDA-2 application will investigate the feasibility of home-based exercise therapy (HBET) delivered using mobile health (mHealth) technologies in Veterans with symptomatic PAD. We will partner with the MOVE! program to deliver HBET through group behavioral coaching and a novel wearable activity monitor in a newly proposed program called Smart MOVE!. There is a clear need to provide effective and convenient alternatives to supervised exercise for Veterans with PAD. This study will provide evidence to proceed with Smart MOVE!, a much-needed patient-centered rehabilitation program for Veterans with PAD.

SUCCESS (SelUtion, Safety, effiCaCy, hEalth economicS and promS) PTA Study

Open label, real-world, prospective, multi-center, single arm, post-market surveillance study of the SELUTION SLR™ (Sustained Limus Release) drug eluting balloon (DEB).

Community-based Exercise Following Revascularization for PAD

The primary goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a community-based structured exercise therapy (CB-SET) intervention, which could be accessible and easily disseminated, adds benefit to peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients undergoing revascularization (REVASC) to improve their function and cardiovascular health.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Alert-Based Computerized Decision Support for Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Not Prescribed Lipid-Lowering Therapy

This single-center, 400-patient, randomized controlled trial assesses the impact of a patient- and provider-facing EPIC Best Practice Advisory (BPA; alert-based computerized decision support tool) to increase guideline-directed utilization of statin and statin-alternative oral LDL-C lowering therapies in patients with PAD who are not being prescribed LDL-C-lowering therapy.