NCT03203239 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Red Light Treatment in Peripheral Artery Disease
What this study is about
Subjects with a known diagnosis of peripheral artery disease as measured by an abnormal ankle brachial index (\<.9 or \>1.1) will undergo a single 5 min exposure of 670 nm light, 1 cm above the gastrocnemius muscle. Blood flow will be measured by infusion of ultrasound contrast and subsequent acquisition of ultrasound images.
View original scientific description
Subjects with a known diagnosis of peripheral artery disease as measured by an abnormal ankle brachial index (\<.9 or \>1.1) will undergo a single 5 min exposure of 670 nm light, 1 cm above the gastrocnemius muscle. Blood flow will be measured by infusion of ultrasound contrast and subsequent acquisition of ultrasound images. 2 blood samples will be collected for measurement of nitric oxide metabolites.
Interventions
DEVICE
Red Light (670 nm energy)
Light Emitting Diode light source (670 nm wavelength with output up to 75mW/cm2) will be placed over the gastrocnemius muscle. The light will be on for 5 minutes.
DRUG
Octafluoropropane
All subjects will undergo infusion of octafluoropropane to measure peripheral blood flow.
Primary outcome measures
Changes in blood flow
Time frame: Baseline, 5 min of light, and up to 1 min after discontinuation of light
Video intensity units from contrast images will be converted to ml/min/g tissue
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants will be subjects between the ages of 18 and 85 who have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. Men and women will be recruited for participation. All ethnicities will be included in this study. Diagnosis of peripheral artery disease is defined as an Ankle Brachial index of \<0.9 or greater than 1.1 either at rest or during treadmill exercise.
Where
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations