Stent or no stent? new study tests best approach for leg artery disease

NCT ID NCT03776799

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two treatments for complex blockages in the leg's main artery: one avoids stents by using a drug-coated balloon, the other uses a stent. About 120 people with peripheral arterial disease will be randomly assigned to one approach. The goal is to see which keeps the artery open longer and improves walking ability.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Drug-coated balloon (stent-avoiding) or drug-eluting/interwoven stent (stent-preferred)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that avoiding stents with drug-coated balloons works as well or better than stenting for complex leg artery blockages, potentially reducing the need for permanent implants.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both approaches carry risks like re-blockage or need for repeat procedures.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

peripheral arterial disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Clinic Leipzig

    Leipzig, Saxony, 04103, Germany