Using Negative Pressure Therapy to Prevent Infections After Major Amputations

Prophylactic Single-Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices for Closed Incision Major Amputations

Not applicable Interventional Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland · NCT06025253

This study is testing if special dressings that use negative pressure can help prevent infections and improve healing for people who have had major leg amputations.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment728 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Dublin and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06025253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) dressings in reducing surgical site infections and improving scar appearance compared to standard dressings in patients undergoing major lower extremity amputations. It aims to address post-operative wound complications that significantly affect patient outcomes. The trial will be multicenter and randomized, focusing on patients with closed incisions following major amputations. The study will evaluate the incidence of surgical site infections, wound healing complications, and the overall impact on patient quality of life and healthcare costs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for major lower extremity amputations with primary closure of the surgical incision.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with specific types of amputations that do not allow for primary skin closure will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of infections and improve healing outcomes for patients undergoing major amputations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years or older;
* Patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation, including below-knee amputation, through-knee amputation and above-knee amputation, for any indication;
* Patients with primary closure of the surgical incision using either interrupted or continuous sutures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \<18 years;
* Women who are pregnant and/or breast-feeding;
* Patients with amputations performed without primary skin closure, including guillotine amputations, amputations deliberately left open for drainage purposes and amputations with soft tissues defects at the stump;
* Patients with amputations where skin glue is the only means of skin closure
* Patients with a clinically absent femoral pulse

Where this trial is running

Dublin and 6 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 Wound SurgicalWound InfectionCosmesisNegative Pressure Wound TherapySurgical Site InfectionPost-operative ComplicationsHealth EconomicsCoPaQ
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.