Building the evidence: inside the UK’s PAD RCTs

In this PVI 2026 interview, Prof. Gouëffic and Prof. Saratzis discuss the growing role of high-level evidence in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the development of large-scale, pragmatic randomised controlled trials in the UK.

They explore two recently launched studies, RAF and RAVE: RAF compares open and endovascular treatment for common femoral artery (CFA) disease, while RAVE investigates the use of intravascular lithotripsy in patients with calcified PAD, regardless of anatomical location.

Both trials are designed to include patients with intermittent claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), assessing clinical and cost-effectiveness through a composite outcome of amputation-free survival and reintervention.

The conversation also looks at the value of pragmatic trial designs, which aim to reflect real-world clinical practice and generate meaningful subgroup analyses.

Looking beyond the studies themselves, Prof. Saratzis shares his experience of securing funding for vascular research, highlighting the importance of listening to patients, fostering collaboration between researchers and government funding bodies, and continuing to refine research proposals despite setbacks. His message is clear: perseverance is essential to turning important clinical questions into studies that can improve evidence and inform patient care.

Discover the research behind these ambitious trials and the journey that made them possible.