Gene therapy trials are to begin at Belfast City Hospital in the next few weeks - thought to be the first time it has been used in Northern Ireland.
It is one of 35 centres across Europe and the US taking part in trials.
The Belfast hospital hopes to recruit between 10 and 20 patients suffering from blocked arteries in their legs for the international experiment.
In the trial, they will be injected with genetic material which has been deliberately modified.
It is hoped the treatment will stimulate their body to produce new blood vessels which will bypass the blockages.
Tests begin next week to find patients who will be suitable to receive the injections.
It is expected the injections themselves will start at the end of next month.
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