Peripheral Vascular Research

This area of research includes two distinct areas of research: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) research and Peripheral Angiogenesis research.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
PVD is a common circulation problem in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs or arms become narrowed or clogged. PVD is sometimes called peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.

Peripheral Angiogenesis Research: Growing New Blood Vessels
“Growing new blood vessels” is very promising research! Angiogenesis is the study of angiogenic growth factors (growth hormones specific to blood vessels) used to “create” or increase the blood supply to specific areas of the body in need of more blood. The body normally produces these. By giving more of what your body produces naturally, that is, growth factors, new blood vessels may grow which may possibly improve the blood supply to legs and feet to promote wound healing and decrease pain. Choose the following link for more on gene therapy.

Current Research Studies:

• AnGes 0205 for Critical Limb Ischemia: A Phase II Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of AMG0001 to Improve Perfusion in Critical Leg Ischemia in Subjects Who Have Peripheral Vascular Ulcers.
• VEGF-2 for Critical Limb Ischemia: A phase 1-2, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled dose escalating study of intramuscular vascular endothelial growth factor-2 (VEGF-2) Gene Therapy in Patients with Moderate or High Risk Critical Limb Ischemia
• Genzyme Improve Trial
• DVT Thrombosis: Comparison between standard anticoagulation vs. catheter directed thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis
• AnGes - HGF Plasmid and Critical Limb Ischemia Treatment Study

Research Studies that are closed to new patients/follow-up only:

• Valentis
• Peripheral Angiogenesis Research: Aventis FGF-2 Trial

Click here to view a list of archived Peripheral Vascular Research

• Timothy D. Henry, MD, FACC
• Alan T. Hirsch, MD, FACC
• Daniel Lips, MD, FACC
• Yale Wang, MD, FACC, FSCAI

• JoAnne Goldman, RTR, RCIS, CCRC
• Vicki R. Pink, RN, CCRC
• Denise Windenburg, CCRC

For more information about the peripheral vascular research program at the Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, please contact JoAnne Goldman at 612-863-3793.