Minimally invasive artery embolization for chronic Achilles tendon pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

Participants undergo a minimally invasive catheter procedure in which a radiologist injects a temporary blocking agent (LipioJoint/Lipiodol emulsion) into specific arteries supplying the affected Achilles tendon. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure, with a phone check one day after treatment to screen for early side effects. The study is a Phase 1 interventional trial focused on feasibility and safety, tracking serious adverse events related to the device and procedure over 12 months. The goal is to determine whether the procedure can safely and durably reduce chronic Achilles pain in adults who are non-surgical candidates or wish to avoid surgery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 25 years
* Subject provides written informed consent
* Patient with Achilles tendinopathy 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:

* Achilles tendon pain caused by acute fracture, recent trauma, inflammatory conditions, muscle/ligament injury, tendon rupture, 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

• Joint and Vascular Institute
  Libertyville, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Layth Alkhani
• Email: lalkhani@jointvascular.com
• Phone: 847-584-3959

Similar studies

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

• Corticosteroid injections added to standard care for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy

  This trial tests whether 1–3 ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections added to standard care help adults with long-standing midportion Achilles tendinopathy more than placebo injections plus standard care.

  Recruiting Phase 3 Erasmus Medical Center · Rotterdam · NCT07650396

• Foot position during Achilles tendinopathy rehab

  This trial tests whether doing a 12-week load-based exercise with a toes-out foot position helps the Achilles better heal and function compared with a neutral foot position in adults with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

  Recruiting KU Leuven · Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant · NCT07623408

• Platelet-rich plasma treatment for patellar, Achilles, elbow (epicondylitis), and plantar heel tendinopathies.

  This multicenter observational project will try platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to see if they reduce pain and improve function in adults with chronic patellar, Achilles, lateral elbow (epicondylitis), or plantar heel (fasciitis) tendinopathies.

  Recruiting at 5 sites ReSport Clinic · A Coruña and 4 other locations · NCT07558564

• ATOR screening scores over 12 weeks in senior runners with Achilles tendinopathy

  We will test whether adding analytical stretching to an Alfredson exercise program plus health education improves ATOR screening scores over 12 weeks in senior club runners with Achilles tendinopathy.

  Recruiting Universidad de Zaragoza · Zaragoza, Zaragoza · NCT07497217

• Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function

  Researchers will try two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to see if they immediately reduce pain and improve heel-rise performance in people with Achilles tendinopathy or a past Achilles tendon rupture.

  Recruiting University of Brasilia · Brasília, Federal District · NCT07453485

• Hyaluronic Acid vs Platelet-R-rich Plasma for Chronic Tendinopathy and Enthesopathy

  This study tests whether injections of hyaluronic acid or autologous platelet-rich plasma can help people with chronic tendon and enthesis problems in the elbow or Achilles area.

  Recruiting Ortonika Orthopedic Medical Clinic in Lublin · Lublin, Lublin Voivodeship · NCT07714811

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.