Monitoring oxygen levels in thigh flap surgeries

Tissue Oxygenation Monitoring of Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Flaps, Using FORE-SIGHT ELITE Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) - A Pilot Study

Observational University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT06744387

This study is testing a new way to monitor oxygen levels in patients who have had thigh flap surgery to see if it can help doctors spot problems with the flap sooner.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT06744387 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to monitor patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery using an anterolateral thigh flap. It combines traditional clinical assessments of the flap's condition with continuous tissue oxygenation measurements using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The goal is to gather preliminary data on potential indicators of flap failure, enhancing postoperative care and intervention timing. By employing a more objective monitoring approach, the study seeks to improve the reliability of flap assessments during the critical postoperative phase.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for reconstructive flap surgery on either the upper or lower limb using a fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap.

Not a fit: Patients who refuse to provide written informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring techniques that reduce the risk of flap failure in reconstructive surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of NIRS for monitoring tissue oxygenation is established, this specific application in flap surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* scheduled for reconstructive flap surgery on either upper or lower limb using a fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap

Exclusion Criteria:

* refusal to provide written informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Edegem, Antwerp

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 Reconstructive Flap SurgeryFasciocutaneous Anterolateral Thigh FlapPostoperative MonitoringFlap Ischemia
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.