Comparing durations of antibiotic use after cardiac surgery

Multicentre, Adaptive, Double-blind, Three-arm, Placebo-controlled, Noninferiority Trial Examining Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Duration in Cardiac Surgery

Phase 4 Interventional Monash University · NCT05447559

This study is testing how long to give antibiotics after heart surgery to see which duration best prevents infections.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment9180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMonash University Academic / other
Locations27 sites (Dallas, Texas and 26 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05447559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicentre, adaptive, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different durations of intravenous cefazolin prophylaxis in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: receiving prophylaxis only during surgery, for 24 hours post-surgery, or for 48 hours post-surgery. The study will assess the incidence of SSI, healthcare-associated infections, and the economic and microbiological impacts of these different prophylaxis durations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving a median sternotomy.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with severe comorbidities, or specific infections or allergies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could optimize antibiotic use and reduce the incidence of infections in cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with antibiotic prophylaxis durations, making this approach both relevant and necessary for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving a median sternotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years
* American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) 5
* Subjects with GFR \<40mL/min/1.73m2 or those requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
* Surgery for suspected or proven endocarditis or deep sternal wound infection
* Documented cefazolin hypersensitivity
* Documented methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation or infection in the 12-months prior to index surgery
* Cardiac transplantation
* Procedures involving insertion ventricular assist device or mechanical circulatory support device
* Procedures not involving a median sternotomy
* Patients previously enrolled and randomised to the CALIPSO trial

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas and 26 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Surgical Site InfectionCardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.