Lateral plantar artery embolization for chronic heel pain
Official title: Lateral Plantar Artery Embolization to Treat Pain Chronic Heel Pain Due To Plantar Fasciitis A Pilot Study to Assess Feasibility
Run by Joint & Vascular Institute · NCT07395128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether injecting a temporary blocking agent (Lipiodol) into the lateral plantar artery can reduce chronic heel pain in adults 25–80 who have not improved after at least three months of conservative care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 25 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Joint & Vascular Institute Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Libertyville, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07395128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 25–80 with chronic plantar fasciitis who have had at least three months of conservative therapy, report pain of 4/10 or greater on the VAS, and are trying to avoid surgery are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People whose heel pain is due to fracture, recent trauma, inflammatory or bone-density related causes, those with peripheral arterial disease, severe contrast allergy, significant renal impairment, pregnancy, anticoagulation issues, or type 1 diabetes are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 interventional program uses a minimally invasive catheter to deliver Lipiodol into targeted lateral plantar arterial branches supplying the painful area of the heel. Patients undergo the embolization procedure at a single center and receive a phone check the day after, with telehealth follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The main outcomes are change in pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) over 12 months and the frequency of serious or device-related adverse events. Eligibility is limited to adults with chronic plantar fasciitis refractory to conservative treatment and excludes those with vascular disease, severe contrast allergy, significant renal dysfunction, pregnancy, or other specified conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could reduce chronic heel pain and provide a less invasive option that helps some patients avoid surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Early case series and small pilot studies of arterial embolization for plantar fasciitis and other chronic tendinopathies have reported promising pain relief, but larger controlled trials are still needed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 25 years * Subject provides written informed consent * Patient with Plantar Fasciitis refractory to 3 months of conservative management * Self reported pain of at least 4/10 on visual analog scale (VAS) * Non-surgical candidate/looking to avoid surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Heel pain caused by acute fracture, recent trauma, inflammatory conditions, muscle/ligament injury, and etiologies related to bone mineral density. * Steroid injection in the last 90 days from the embolization procedure * Known severe allergy to Lipiodol and/or iodinated contrast media * Diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease affecting the lower extremities * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Anticoagulation or irreversible coagulopathy * GFR \<45 or Serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dl * Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Where it's running
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Joint and Vascular Institute
Libertyville, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Layth Alkhani
- Email: lalkhani@jointvascular.com
- Phone: 847-584-3959
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.