Clinical Research Directory

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.

Xeltis Peripheral Artery Disease (XPAD) Bypass Conduit Early Feasibility Study

A prospective, single arm, non-randomized early feasibility study to evaluate the preliminary safety and performance of the XPAD conduit in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), scheduled to undergo elective above-knee femoral popliteal bypass surgery.

The Prevalence Survey of ALDH Gene Family in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease or Acute Coronary Syndrome

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is an important enzyme protecting human from the accumulation of aldehyde, the main metabolites of alcohol. The deficiency of ALDH2 gene results in flush and hang over post drinking and most importantly it has been found associated with the incidence of cancer and post myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure. In the previous studies, ALDH2 decreased the ischemic territory post infarction and using a large scaled interaction of genetic variants and ALDH2 as an instrument, the threats of alcohol consumption on Asians' cardiovascular health was underscored. Furthermore, in a meta-analysis reviewing 12 case-control studies also indicated an increase of 48% risks in patients with ALDH2 deficiency. Notably, the genetic deficiency is most prevalent in Asians. In Taiwan one of every two individuals may be the victim and the high prevalence is counted as the top of the world. However, a large scaled prospective study focusing on the prevalence of ALDH2 deficiency in patients with peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) or acute coronary syndrome （ACS）remains lacking.