The goal of this clinical trial is to learn determine the feasibility of arterial embolization using Lipiodol emulsion to safely and effectively treat chronic Achilles tendon pain due to Achilles tendinopathy in adults aged 25 to 80. The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does this procedure successfully reduce chronic Achilles tendon pain as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) over 12 months?
2. How safe is the procedure, specifically regarding the frequency of serious medical problems or adverse events related to the device?
Participants will:
* Undergo a minimally invasive procedure where a doctor uses a small tube (catheter) to inject a temporary blocking agent (LipioJoint) into specific blood vessels supplying the Achilles tendon.
* Receive a phone call one day after the procedure to check for early side effects.
* Participate in four follow-up visits over the course of one year (at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months).
Complete pain intensity surveys (VAS) and report any changes in their use of other therapies or medications during these visits.
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥ 25 years
* Subject provides written informed consent
* Patient with Achilles tendinopathy refractory to 3 months of conservative management
* Self reported pain of at least 4/10 on visual analog scale (VAS)
* Non-surgical candidate/looking to avoid surgery
Exclusion Criteria:
* Achilles tendon pain caused by acute fracture, recent trauma, inflammatory conditions, muscle/ligament injury, tendon rupture, and etiologies related to bone mineral density
* Steroid injection in the last 90 days from the embolization procedure
* Known severe allergy to Lipiodol and/or iodinated contrast media
* Diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease affecting the lower extremities
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Anticoagulation or irreversible coagulopathy
* GFR \<45 or Serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dl
* Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.