Evaluating a new device for securing surgical drains to improve patient outcomes

A Prospective, Randomized, Multi-center Trial Evaluating the Effect of Surgical Drain Securement on Patient Quality of Life and Postoperative Drain-related Complications

Not applicable Interventional Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT06916286

This study is testing a new device called K-LOCK™ to see if it can better secure surgical drains and improve recovery for patients after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06916286 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a novel sutureless device, K-LOCK™, in securing surgical drains compared to traditional suture methods. Patients undergoing surgery with anticipated drain placement will be randomly assigned to either the K-LOCK™ group or the suture group. Postoperative follow-up will include monitoring for complications and quality of life through surveys and medical record reviews over a three-month period. The goal is to determine if the K-LOCK™ device enhances patient experiences and reduces complications associated with surgical drains.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing surgical procedures requiring one or more drains in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot consent in English, have incompatible drain sizes, or have allergies to skin adhesives may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce complications related to surgical drains.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of sutureless devices is gaining interest, this specific approach with the K-LOCK™ device is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Patient of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
* Able to sign English language Consent form
* Undergoing a surgical procedure where placement of one or more surgical drains is anticipated

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to sign English language consent form
* Incompatible drain size placed
* Allergy or sensitivity to skin adhesives

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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 DrainDrain Insertion SiteDrain Site ComplicationPlastic and Reconstructive 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.