Using heparin to improve success after finger replantation

Prospective Study on the Role of Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin Following Digital Replantation and Revascularization

PHASE4 · Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT04725201

This study is testing if giving heparin through an IV can help improve the chances of success for people who have had their fingers amputated and are getting them reattached.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment188 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) (other)
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04725201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intravenous unfractionated heparin in enhancing the success rates of digital replantation and revascularization in patients who have experienced traumatic finger amputations. Participants will receive a continuous intravenous drip of heparin to assess its impact on the viability of the replanted digit compared to those who do not receive the treatment. The study will also evaluate potential postoperative complications associated with heparin use, such as bleeding and thrombocytopenia, while considering various patient factors like smoking status and comorbidities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have undergone traumatic digital amputation and are accepted into the replantation program at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal.

Not a fit: Patients on anticoagulants or with contraindications for heparin, as well as those with more severe injuries, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the outcomes of finger replantation surgeries, leading to better recovery and functionality for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of heparin in this specific context is novel, similar studies in other surgical fields have shown promising results with anticoagulant therapies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All replantation and revascularization patients who are accepted into the CEVARMU program at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients on anticoagulants, other than ASA, prior to admission (i.e. Coumadin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Plavix, or similar medications)
* Patients with a contraindication for heparin (e.g. coagulopathy, acute ulcers, thrombocytopenia, severe liver damage, shock)
* Patients who suffered an amputation in the level of the carpal tunnel and proximal to it
* Patients who experienced a degloving injury

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Amputation, Traumatic, Hand, Replantation, Revascularization, Unfractionated heparin, Finger

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.