Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 19 to 99

Improving blood flow in limbs using ultrasound

Official title: Augmentation of Limb Perfusion With Contrast Ultrasound

Run by Oregon Health and Science University · NCT03195556 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a special ultrasound technique can improve blood flow in the limbs of people with peripheral arterial disease.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages19 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorOregon Health and Science University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 18, 2018
Main results expectedDecember 2019
Study endsDecember 2019
Registry record updatedAugust 23, 2018
Trial IDNCT03195556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosed history of unilateral or bilateral peripheral arterial disease.

Probably not a fit

Patients with major medical illnesses affecting limb flow, severe heart failure, or other significant cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) to enhance limb tissue perfusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The research builds on previous findings that CEU can significantly increase blood flow, and aims to determine the effectiveness of specific ultrasound settings within FDA-approved limits. Participants will undergo ultrasound imaging to measure the degree of perfusion augmentation, providing insights into potential therapeutic applications for PAD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve blood flow and quality of life for patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with contrast-enhanced ultrasound for perfusion measurement, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 y.o.
* For PAD subjects: known history of unilateral or bilateral PAD diagnosed by reduced ankle-brachial index or angiography and a Rutherford symptom class of 4-6.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major medical illness other than PAD affecting the limb (muscle disease, blood diseases that influence flow or rheology, severe heart failure \[NYHA class IV or LVEF \<30%\]).
2. Pregnant or lactating females
3. Hypersensitivity to any ultrasound contrast agent
4. Known atrial septal defect or large right to left shunt.
5. Hemodynamic instability (hypotension with systolic BP \<90 mm Hg, need for vasopressors)
6. Evidence for ongoing myocardial ischemia
7. For normal controls, any known structural non-arrhythmic cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, moderate or greater valve disease).

Where it's running

  • Ohsu
    Portland, Oregon, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.