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Clinical Trial Summary

Currently during DIEP flap reconstruction, the perfusion of the flap is assessed by the clinical view of the surgeon. Identification of demarcated ischemic zones of the DIEP flap could be optimized by using fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) in order to lower the rate of fat necrosis. This study evaluates whether intraoperative perfusion assessment with ICG fluorescence imaging causes a lower rate of fat necrosis compared to conventional intraoperative clinical evaluation of DIEP flaps.


Clinical Trial Description

Rationale: Autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to cancer or prophylactically due to genetically increased risk is frequently performed. A complication that may occur after a deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) reconstruction is the occurrence of fat necrosis in the transplanted flap due to ischemia (reperfusion injury). Identification of deep inferior epigastric artery perforators and identification of demarcated ischemic zones of the DIEP flap can be optimized by using fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG), as has been demonstrated in previous studies. This could result in less fat necrosis, less partial flap loss, and other complications. A randomized controlled trial would be the best study design to assess the value of ICG in determining the perfusion of DIEP flaps, thereby reducing the occurrence of fat necrosis and other complications. Objective: To determine whether fluorescence imaging using ICG for the assessment of DIEP flap perfusion during surgery decreases the occurrence of fat necrosis compared to standard intraoperative clinical assessment of DIEP flap perfusion. Study design: This is a two-armed randomized controlled trial: - interventional arm: evaluation of flap perfusion based on 1) clinical parameters, and 2) fluorescence imaging using ICG - conventional arm: evaluation of flap perfusion based on clinical parameters only Study population: Patients scheduled for elective surgery for autologous breast reconstruction, uni- or bilateral, using DIEP or muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle (msTRAM) flaps. Female patients 18 years of age and older. Intervention (if applicable): evaluation of flap perfusion based on 1) clinical parameters, and 2) fluorescence imaging using ICG Main study parameters/endpoints: Difference in percentage of fat necrosis after autologous breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps between patients in whom fluorescence imaging was used and patients in whom flaps were clinically assessed. ;


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT05507710
Study type Interventional
Source Leiden University Medical Center
Contact Alexander L. Vahrmeijer, MD, PhD
Phone +31 71 526 2309
Email a.l.vahrmeijer@lumc.nl
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 3
Start date May 1, 2019
Completion date October 1, 2025

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Completed NCT06152900 - Safety and Efficacy of Electronic Stimulation for Circumferential Reduction and Muscle Toning N/A
Completed NCT02759796 - Fluorescence Angiography in the Assessment of DIEP Flap Perfusion N/A