IRB-Approved Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.gov NCT01762085

Researching a New Approach to Recurrent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The D.U.R.A. Study is an active clinical trial evaluating whether an outpatient nerve-decompression procedure may reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in appropriately selected patients. This is research — participation is voluntary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

See If You May Qualify Learn About the Study

Led by Dr. Sequoia DuCasse, DPM

Atlanta, GA active • S. Florida soon

Outpatient nerve-decompression procedure

Study screening exams at no cost to you

Scientific Rationale

Why This Study Is Being Conducted

Previous observational studies have reported lower ulcer-recurrence rates following nerve decompression in selected patients. However, these studies have important limitations and do not establish that nerve decompression prevents recurrent ulcers. The D.U.R.A. Study is evaluating this question prospectively under IRB-approved conditions.

Published Recurrence — Standard Care

Standard Wound Care Alone

Offloading, diabetic footwear, local wound care & glycemic monitoring

20–40%recurrence within 1 year

Approximately 1 in 3 to 4 healed-ulcer patients experiences recurrent breakdown within 12 months.

Reported in Prior Observational Studies

Standard Care + Nerve Decompression

Surgical release of entrapped lower-extremity nerves

4.8%reported recurrence*

Lower re-ulceration was observed in selected surgical cohorts.

How to read this: These figures are drawn from previously published case series and historical control cohorts — not from a head-to-head randomized trial, and not from The D.U.R.A. Study. Observational findings do not establish effectiveness. Individual results cannot be predicted, and the procedure carries surgical risks.

*Recurrence figures reflect published extremity nerve surgery literature (e.g., Dellon AL, Aszmann OC, et al.) and historical controls. They are not outcomes of The D.U.R.A. Study, which remains enrolling. Final results will be reported upon study completion.

Study at a Glance

What is the D.U.R.A. Study?

What is D.U.R.A.?

An IRB-approved clinical trial evaluating whether lower-extremity nerve decompression may reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in appropriately selected patients.

Who may qualify?

Adults with diabetes who have had a healed diabetic foot ulcer and who experience neuropathy symptoms. Final eligibility is determined only by the study investigators.

What does participation involve?

A diagnostic evaluation, an outpatient nerve-decompression procedure, and scheduled follow-up. Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time.

Why Ulcer Recurrence Matters

What Published Research Shows

0M+

Americans with Diabetes

A large share will develop nerve damage over time.

Ulcers That Come Back

Within one year, with standard care alone.

Amputations Start as an Ulcer

Most diabetes-related amputations begin with a sore.

0.0%

Recurrence in Prior Observational Studies

Reported in earlier published nerve-decompression research — not D.U.R.A.'s own results.

Where Do I Start?

Two paths, one study

For Patients & Families

The D.U.R.A. Study is evaluating whether an outpatient nerve-decompression procedure may improve protective sensation and reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

What the study is evaluating, in plain words

What participation involves

Potential benefits and potential risks

A short preliminary self-check

Read Patient Guide See If You May Qualify

Clinical Detail

For Referring Physicians

Study rationale, hypothesis & design

Inclusion / exclusion overview

Referral workflow & co-management

Review Study Information Refer a Potential Participant

Preliminary Self-Screener

Does the D.U.R.A. Study Sound Like It May Apply to You?

Answer 5 questions to see if your situation aligns with the study's general parameters.

This questionnaire is a preliminary screening tool only. It does not determine eligibility. Final eligibility can only be determined by the study investigators through clinical evaluation and informed consent.

Has a doctor diagnosed you with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?

The D.U.R.A. Study is evaluating nerve compression associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Have you previously had a diabetic foot ulcer that has fully or substantially healed?

This trial focuses on prevention of recurrence after an ulcer has closed, rather than acute wound treatment.

Do you experience numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of protective feeling in your feet or toes?

These symptoms may be associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Additional clinical evaluation and testing are required to determine whether nerve compression may also be present.

Are your feet currently free from active bone infection (osteomyelitis) or emergency tissue infection?

Active untreated infections require immediate wound or hospital care before any elective research procedure can be considered.

Are you able to travel for evaluation at our Atlanta, GA site (or a future South Florida site)?

Participants attend in-person consultations, diagnostic evaluations, and periodic follow-up visits.

Please answer all 5 questions to view preliminary alignment.

Trial Centers

Study Sites

The D.U.R.A. Study is currently conducting evaluations in metropolitan Atlanta, with a South Florida site in development.

View Site Details

Active Site

Primary Study Site

Atlanta, Georgia

US Neuropathy Centers • Dr. Sequoia DuCasse, DPM

Lead Investigator

Dr. Sequoia DuCasse, DPM, FACFAS

Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (AENS).

Diagnostic nerve evaluation and sensory mapping

Outpatient procedure & structured follow-up

Coordinated with primary care, endocrinology & wound care

Study Line:(404) 228-9892

Request Evaluation in Atlanta

Coming Soon

Partner Site (In Development)

South Florida

Regional partner site in final onboarding

Florida Site Development

A South Florida partner site is being established to serve the region's population of adults managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Site onboarding in final phase

Pre-screening inquiries accepted for the Florida cohort

Same study protocol and participant protections

Florida Interest List:Pre-screening Open

Join South FL Interest List

Dr. DuCasseDPM, FACFAS, FAENSLead Investigator

Dr. Sequoia DuCasse

Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon

Fellow, Assn of Extremity Nerve Surgeons

Study Leadership

Research Focused on Preventing Recurrent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Dr. Sequoia DuCasse, DPM, serves as lead investigator of The D.U.R.A. Study, an IRB-approved trial sponsored by the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (AENS). The study is evaluating whether lower-extremity nerve decompression may reduce the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in appropriately selected patients.

AENS-Sponsored TrialStudy Line: (404) 228-9892Atlanta, GA

Study Coordination Desk

Study Inquiry & Referral Form

I am submitting this inquiry as a: *

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Preferred Study Site *

Referring Clinic (Optional)

Relevant Context (optional, check all that apply):

History of a healed diabetic foot ulcerDiagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathyCurrently has an active open woundIn-person consultation requested

Additional information

Please do not submit medical records or highly sensitive health information through this field. If additional clinical information is needed, the study team will provide instructions during the formal screening process.

I understand this is a research study inquiry, that submitting this form does not determine eligibility or create a doctor–patient relationship, and that final eligibility is decided by the study investigators through clinical evaluation and informed consent. I have reviewed the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Information submitted through this website is used by the study team for eligibility screening and study communication under IRB oversight (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01762085). It is not sold or used for unrelated marketing. Please do not include detailed medical records in this form.