Using fluorescence imaging to improve surgical decisions for burn wounds

Fluorescence-based Detection of Inflammation and Necrosis to Inform Surgical Decision-making and Enhance Outcomes

Observational University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05593523

This study is testing a new imaging technique to help doctors better identify damaged tissue in burn patients during surgery to improve healing and outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05593523 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of fluorescence image-guided surgery to accurately identify necrotic tissue in burn patients both before and during surgery. By employing a multi-modal approach, the study aims to optimize the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) to enhance surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. The research will gather data to support a larger clinical trial focused on the feasibility and efficacy of this technology in improving necrosis detection and wound healing. Up to 100 participants will be involved over a period of approximately 24 days.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include English-speaking patients with partial thickness burn wounds occurring within 24 hours of admission or those with deeper burns requiring surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to ICG injection, pre-existing inflammatory diseases, or those unable to provide consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more precise surgical interventions and improved healing outcomes for burn patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using delayed imaging of high dose ICG have shown promise in other surgical contexts, suggesting potential success for this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaker
* Patients with partial thickness indeterminate depth burn wounds that occurred within 24 hours of admission and are expected to require admission for at least 3 days (Aim 1) or with deep partial thickness or full thickness burn wounds that are 1-30% TBSA and will likely require surgery (Aim 2)
* Subject understands the study procedures and can provide informed consent to participate in the study and authorization for release of relevant protected health information to the study investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to Indocyanine Green (ICG) injection, i.e. previous reaction to ICG (adverse event rate: 1 in 42,000) or Iodine allergy.
* Inability to obtain consent
* Subject with pre-existing inflammatory diseases or chronically treated before admission to the hospital with steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or biologics
* Subject with immune deficiency (HIV infection or use of corticosteroids, cytostatic drugs, tetracycline and certain bisphosphonates)
* Subject with known or suspected infections or on antibiotic therapy
* Subject known or suspected to be pregnant

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

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 Burn Woundimagingdetectionnecrosis
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.