Research Results and Updates
Vascular Study Results
LIMb Study
New study shows rapid assessment and treatment of end-stage peripheral artery disease (PAD) may reduce the risk of leg amputation by over 50%.
People with advanced PAD can develop pain at rest, ulcer and gangrene in their feet. This is called chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Surgery to restore blood supply to the leg is required to prevent amputation.
In Leicester, we have aimed to see and treat people with CLTI within two weeks of referral since 2018. To achieve this we set up a rapid-acces Vascular Limb Salvage (VaLS) clinic.
The Leg Ischaemia Management collaboration (LIMb) study compared a group of patients treated in Leicester in 2019-2022 to a historical group from 2013-2015.
"Even after accounting for differences in the two groups of people this represents a 57% reduction in major amputation risk."
To read more about the LIMb Study and results, please visit https://theconversation.com/peripheral-artery-disease-the-bi...
We thank all the patients that participated in the LIMb study. We
also thank George Davies and the George Davies Charitable Trust (UK Registered
Charity no. 1024818) for the generous charitable donation that funded both the
LIMb study and the VaLS clinic.
Vascular Study Updates
22nd April 2026
CInCH PAD Study - Recruitment Completed
The CInCH PAD Study is investigating whether people with arterial disease of the legs also have altered blood flow in the brain, causing problems with memory and thinking. The study aimed to recruit 20 individuals with a diagnosis of Intermittent Claudication (an early stage of PAD) and 20 healthy individuals, so that the team could compare the results to see if there were any significant differences in blood flow to the brain and cognitive function between the two groups.
Recruitment for the study ended in February 2026, with 20 healthy individuals and 19 individuals diagnosed with Intermittent Claudication taking part. The CInCH PAD team have now completed the data analysis and intend to publish their results soon.
Thank you to all PPI participants who have advised the team on the study design, and to all individuals who have taken part in the study.
22nd April 2026
KID Trial - Set to Hit Recruitment Target
The KID Trial is seeking to discover if using carbon dioxide for surgery to open blocked leg arteries can prevent kidney problems. The trial team are very pleased to provide the following update:
- Recruitment extension: As of January 2026 the trial funder, NIHR, approved a 6-month extension to the trial recruitment period. This means the recruitment phase is now running for a total of 18 months instead of 12 months, and will end on 30th June 2026.
- Recruitment progress: Total participants recruited so far are 163, meaning that the team are just 11 short of reaching the trial target!
- Study Progress: The KID Trial is recruiting across six NHS hospital sites in the UK. The team would like to thank all the participating clinical teams for their steady progress and the commitment in identifying eligible patients with PAD and CKD.
- Qualitative and Implementation Evaluation Sub-study: The target of 12 participants that provided consent to be interviewed as part of the sub-study has been reached. Interviews aim to explore participants experiences and acceptability of receiving carbon dioxide as a contrast medium during the procedure. Survey completion and interviews with practitioners to know their experiences and perceptions of delivering the intervention, its acceptability and factors that influence implementation of the CO2 injector are in process.
- Follow-ups: The team expect the final participant follow-up to be completed 3 months after the last recruitment, followed by a full analysis of the primary outcome—specifically how the use of CO2 contrast impacts kidney function.
The trial team would also like to extend their thanks to the PPI participants who have overseen and supported the trial since its initiation.
22nd April 2026
EVOCC Trial - 50% Recruitment Milestone Reached
Congratulations to the EVOCC Trial team, who have now recruited 317 patients to the trial, with a target of 628 patients to be recruited by the end of March 2028.
The EVOCC Trial aims to understand whether open surgery or keyhole surgery is better for saving the legs and lives of patients with PAD, which type of surgery is less likely to lead to more surgery in the future, and which is better cost-wise for the NHS.
The team would like to thank the PPI participants who attended a meeting to discuss changes to the study protocol in December 2025. Feedback from the meeting participants was included within the proposed amendment, which has now been initially approved and will be presented to the Research Ethics Committee shortly.
20th March 2026
PAD Adherence Study - Information Booklet Finalised
Following the PPI workshops that took place during spring and summer 2025, researchers at Imperial College London have now completed and updated the PAD information booklet, after also completing think-aloud interviews and seeking designer input.
The next step in the research process is to test the co-created booklet with newly diagnosed PAD patients to see if it is fit-for-purpose in NHS healthcare settings.
The research team would like to thank all the PPI participants who have taken part in the workshops, offering their input and advice about the wording and design and ensuring it reflects the lived experience of patients with the condition.
6th January 2026
UK-MAT Trial - Participant Recruitment Underway
The UK Metformin Aneurysm Trial is now underway. Non-diabetic patients diagnosed with small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) across the nation are being offered the opportunity to participate in this potentially ground-breaking research.
Click here to access the recent BBC News article for information about the trial and to read about Philip, who is one of the first patients to sign up and take part.
If you would like to find out more about participating in UK-MAT, and to contact the trial team directly, please visit the Active Studies page.
6th January 2026
MOSAIC 2 Study: Programme Grant Update
The MOSAIC 2 Study team are excited to announce that the programme grant funding officially started in November 2025, and the team is now working towards Phase 1 of the grant, which focuses on the MOSAIC 2 adaptation study.
The adaptation study aims to work with 20 patients or carers and 20 practitioners or service planners to adapt the programme so that it can be delivered in community services and primary care practices. This study consists of three stages, involving online group workshop meetings to adapt the MOSAIC intervention and co-design materials. We’re looking forward to holding our first workshop in February.
More information about how to take part in the adaptation study can be found on the Active Studies page, along with a link to contact the team directly and register your interest.