Using Contrast Ultrasound to Improve Blood Flow in Limbs for Adults With or Without Peripheral Arterial Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how ultrasound imaging combined with microbubble contrast agents can improve blood flow to the limbs, particularly in people with peripheral artery disease PAD. Previous studies showed that high power contrast-enhanced ultrasound could nearly double limb perfusion, but those studies focused on imaging rather than treatment. This study aims to measure how much limb blood flow can be increased using specific therapeutic ultrasound settings that remain within FDA-approved safety limits. Participants receive a 15-minute high-power ultrasound therapy with intermittent ultrasound bursts and an intravenous infusion of microbubbles. This treatment is followed by low-power contrast ultrasound imaging to measure blood flow changes. The study includes two groups healthy subjects and those with PAD. Measurements such as the ankle-brachial index ABI and toe-brachial index TBI are taken before and after treatment to evaluate perfusion changes. Participants will undergo blood flow assessments at 10 and 60 minutes after the ultrasound therapy to monitor treatment effects. The research team evaluates changes in limb perfusion using ultrasound imaging and clinical measurements. The study is non-randomized and does not involve blinding. Participation involves intravenous microbubble infusion, ultrasound procedures, and clinical assessments to track blood flow improvements over a short period.

Augmentation of Limb Perfusion With Contrast Ultrasound