Using Prevena devices to prevent infections in spine surgery

A Prospective, Single-center Study for the Investigation of the Use of Prevena Vacuum-Assisted Closure Devices in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

PHASE4 · Northwestern University · NCT05555355

This study is testing whether using the Prevena device can help prevent infections in patients having spine surgery compared to regular dressings.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment285 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05555355 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of the Prevena Plus 125 therapy unit in preventing surgical site infections and complications in patients undergoing spine surgery. It compares the outcomes of patients using the Prevena device to those receiving conventional wound dressings. The study aims to identify which patient demographics benefit most from this negative pressure wound therapy approach. By focusing on a single center, the research seeks to provide detailed insights into the efficacy of this intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing spine surgery that requires closure by a plastic surgeon and have a risk score of 80 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with a risk score below 80 or those with medical conditions that complicate participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of infections and complications in spine surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with negative pressure wound therapy in various surgical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach in spine surgery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergoing spine surgery that requires closure by plastic surgeon
2. Over 18 years old
3. Risk Score Cutoff 80+
4. (Control) Matched to a prospective research participant

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Risk Score Cutoff \<80
2. Medical or psychiatric condition that may increase the risk with study participation, may complicate patient compliance, or may interfere with the interpretation of study results and, in the judgement of the Investigator, would make the subject inappropriate for entry into this study
3. Subjects who are pregnant at the date of surgery (SOC for surgery)

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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: Surgery, Incision, Surgical, negative pressure wound therapy, incisional wound therapy, spine surgery

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.