Clinical Trials, U.S.: Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an occlusive disease specific to arteries of the lower extremities and is often a serious condition that can result in the need for revascularization or surgery. It is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the lining of the vessel or a blood clot. This buildup eventually leads to a reduction in blood flow that will deprive the nearby tissues of oxygen. Symptoms can range from intermittent claudication (difficulty walking) to the development of chronic limb ischemia (CLI). Over 10 million Americans suffer from various stages of the disease. About 20 percent to 30 percent of CLI patients are poor candidates for revascularization or surgery; thus, it is important to find alternative methods to improve tissue perfusion in this ...