Clinical Research Directory

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Perioperative Biomarkers and Outcomes

Brief Summary This observational study will follow patients who undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction to better understand a common surgical challenge called ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury can happen when a flap has a period without blood flow (ischemia) and then blood flow returns (reperfusion). This process may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress and is associated with fat necrosis or partial flap loss. 1\. What is being studied 1. The investigators will measure inflammation and oxidative stress markers in blood (for example, interleukin-6 \[IL-6\]) from before surgery through the first 72 hours after surgery. 2. These data will help map the normal and abnormal patterns of recovery after surgery and may inform future approaches to monitoring and protecting flap tissue. 3. No experimental drug or device is given to participants in this study. Separate animal studies are developing a near-infrared imaging and antioxidant nanomaterial (Mn/QD-SAC); this is not used in participants here. 2\. Who can take part 1. Women aged 18-70 scheduled for immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. 2. Key exclusions include severe heart, liver, or kidney disease; significant clotting problems; active infection or autoimmune disease; long-term use of immunosuppressants/anti-inflammatory drugs; pregnancy or breastfeeding; or other reasons judged by the research team. 3\. What will happen if you join 1. After providing informed consent, participants will have blood drawn at five time points: pre-operative baseline (within 24 hours before surgery) and at 0, 6, 24, and 72 hours after surgery (about 10 mL each time; total \~50 mL). 2. Blood will be processed and stored under secure conditions and tested for inflammation and oxidative stress markers. 3. The investigators will also record routine clinical information from the medical record (such as age, BMI, surgery duration, ischemia time, and clinical assessments of flap outcomes and complications). 4. Participation does not change the participant's clinical care before, during, or after surgery. 4\. Risks and benefits 1. Risks are those of standard blood draws: brief pain, bruising, bleeding, dizziness, and rare infection. 2. There is no direct medical benefit to participants. Results may help improve understanding and future care for patients undergoing flap reconstruction. 5\. Privacy and data protection 1. Samples and data will be coded without names. Identifying information is stored separately with restricted access. 2. Research results are not routinely added to the medical record or returned to participants unless a finding has clear, actionable clinical significance and is approved by the ethics committee. 6\. Time commitment and costs 1. All blood draws occur during the routine hospital stay. There is no additional follow-up required after discharge. 2. There is no cost to participate. 7\. Voluntary participation Joining the study is voluntary. Participants may withdraw at any time without affecting their medical care.

Evaluating rhPDGF-BB-Enhanced Wound Matrix for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma lesions that develop on the head and neck are treated by Mohs surgery or wide local excision to remove all tumor cells and preserve the normal tissue. These surgical techniques may result in large defects requiring reconstruction to restore function and aesthetics. Rotational flaps and free flaps are techniques used to reconstruct large, complex defects that cannot be closed with sutures, staples, or glue. Older, frail patients are particularly vulnerable to complications from these procedures often leaving them to care for chronic wounds until a skin graft can be placed. Phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) revealed a cohort of patients with a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in PDGFRβ having a higher incidence of chronic skin ulcers, skin grafts, and other skin and connective tissue disorders suggesting that the loss of PDGFβ signaling may impair healing following trauma. rhPDGF-BB, a recombinant human platelet derived growth factor protein-based therapy, signals through PDGFRβ to mediate inflammation, granulation, angiogenesis, and remodeling during wound healing and skin repair and is FDA cleared for diabetic neuropathic ulcers and periodontal bone and soft tissue reconstructions. These data suggest rhPDGF-BB may be a viable therapeutic strategy to augment the reconstruction of these complex defects by accelerating granulation, epithelialization, and wound closure.

Tele-Exercise Platform for Plantar Wound Healing

The purpose of the study is design and use a telemedicine platform which integrates video-chat, pre-programmed interactive game-based foot, and ankle exercise modules, and real-time quantitative performance metrics displayed to the clinician to improve patient's perfusion to the lower extremity, improve diabetic wound healing and prevent muscle loss in the lower extremity.This is a cross sectional and comparative feasibility study. It is designed to explore acceptability, feasibility and proof of concept/ .

Study of LUT017 Gel to Improve Healing of Skin Wounds After Removal of Benign Lesions in Healthy Adults

This is a Phase 1 research study evaluating the safety and potential benefits of a topical gel called LUT017 in helping skin wounds heal after minor skin procedures. The study will enroll healthy adults who are already scheduled to have two benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions, such as moles, removed as part of routine care. When the lesions are removed, two small wounds will be created. One wound will be treated with LUT017 gel, and the other will be treated with a placebo gel that does not contain active medication. This allows each participant to serve as their own comparison. The study team will monitor how the wounds heal over approximately one week using clinical evaluation, photographs, and safety assessments. LUT017 is a topical medication designed to activate natural skin repair pathways and potentially promote faster healing. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether a single application of LUT017 gel is safe and well tolerated when applied to fresh skin wounds, and to look for early signs that it may improve or speed up wound healing compared to placebo. The primary question this study aims to answer is: Is LUT017 gel safe when applied to acute skin wounds, and does it show preliminary evidence of improving early wound healing in healthy adults? Participants will be followed for about one week after treatment, with blood tests and skin evaluations to monitor for any side effects. The information gathered from this study will help determine whether LUT017 should continue to be developed as a potential treatment to support wound healing.

Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Impregnated Gauze Versus Povidone Iodine Dressing in Post Trauma Wound Care

To compare rate of infection and wound healing between chlorhexidine impregnated paraffin gauze and dry povidone-iodine dressings in post-traumatic wounds.

Efficacy Of Eggshell-Derived Nanohydroxyapatite Based Mineralized Plasmatic Matrix Versus Xenogeneic Based Mineralized Plasmatic Matrix in Posterior Mandibular Socket Preservation

After tooth extraction, the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth, undergoes a natural resorption process. This bone loss can be significant, especially in the first few months post-extraction, leading to a reduction in both bone height and width (Araújo et al ,. 2005) Generally, the goal of alveolar ridge preservation is to maximize bone formation while maintaining good soft tissue architecture, As socket preservation has proved high clinical efficacy in maintaining alveolar ridge high and width, there are many materials that have been proposed such as: autogenous bone grafts, allografts, xenografts, alloplasts, dentin graft and PRF. Unfortunately, the previously mentioned grafting material has several limitations have more such as high cost, biocompatibility, osteoinductive limitations and the need for a second surgical site. These limitations encouraged the researchers to test alternative materials and techniques to provide comparable or superior outcomes with fewer drawbacks. One of the newly introduced materials is eggshell derived nanohydroxyapatite (EnHA). Eggshell-derived nanohydroxyapatite (EnHa) represents a novel and potentially superior alternative due to its biocompatible, osteoconductive, and osteoinductive bone substitute. Preliminary studies suggest that this material. The synergistic effect of PRF when combined with various graft materials has also been extensively studied. when PR combined with bone grafting materials, it results in enhanced osteoconductive properties of graft materials and promotes efficient bone regeneration. (Yilmaz et al., 2017). However, up till now, there are no sufficient studies on the clinical efficacy of EnHA as a cheaper and readily available alternative which has superior clinical properties especially when combined with PRF compared to standard xenografts.

Safety and Efficacy of NTP in Thyroid Surgery: Pilot Study on Morbidity Prevention and Adjuvant Oncological Control

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of non-thermal plasma (NTP) as an adjuvant treatment for surgical bed decontamination and accelerated tissue repair in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. The study aims to address the following objectives: * Does the intraoperative application of NTP to the surgical bed and closed incision promote accelerated tissue regeneration compared to conventional postoperative care? * Does NTP treatment reduce postoperative inflammatory response, pain intensity, and the incidence of site-specific complications (such as surgical site infection or seroma)? * What is the safety profile of helium-based NTP in the cervical anatomical region regarding neighboring neurovascular structures? Participants will be randomized into two arms: 1. The experimental group: Receiving a standardized application of helium-based NTP (at a frequency of 13.56 MHz) to the surgical bed prior to closure and subsequently to the sutured incision. 2. The control group: Receiving standard-of-care surgical wound management. Clinical follow-up will include quantitative assessment of healing rates, pain scales (VAS), and biochemical or clinical markers of inflammation at scheduled intervals (Days 1, 7, 15, and up to 12 weeks post-surgery).

Surgical Critical Care Initiative (SC2i) Tissue and Data Acquisition Protocol (TDAP) in Burn Patients Improving the Robustness and Generalizability of Post-burn Sepsis Prediction With the Post-Burn Sepsis Digital Twin. Group 1

This study is following adult patients with serious burn injuries to better understand how their bodies respond to treatment and recovery. Researchers will collect small amounts of blood and tissue samples, along with information already recorded in the medical record, such as vital signs, lab results, and details of surgeries or complications. The goal is to identify patterns that may help predict who is at higher risk for infections or other problems after a burn injury. This information could lead to new tools, including computer-based models, to improve burn care and outcomes in the future. Participation involves providing samples and allowing researchers to review medical records during the hospital stay and up to one year after discharge.

TDAP in Burn Patients (Group 2)

This study is following adult patients with serious burn injuries to better understand how their bodies respond to treatment and recovery. Researchers will collect small amounts of blood and tissue samples, along with information already recorded in the medical record, such as vital signs, lab results, and details of surgeries or complications. The goal is to identify patterns that may help predict who is at higher risk for infections or other problems after a burn injury. This information could lead to new tools, including computer-based models, to improve burn care and outcomes in the future. Participation involves providing samples and allowing researchers to review medical records during the hospital stay and up to one year after discharge.

Wound Healing Following Extraction and Ridge Preservation in Smokers and Non-smokers

The goal of this study is to evaluate bone wound healing following extraction and alveolar ridge preservation (bone graft and membrane) clinically, histologically and in relation to gene expression in smokers and non-smokers. Data from a small group of participants will be analyzed after age-matched subjects undergo extraction and alveolar ridge preservation prior to implant placement. The data obtained in this pilot study will be used to plan a full-fledged study involving a larger number of smoking and non-smoking participants to compare the two groups.

Allogeneic Adipose Tissue Extract in Wound Treatment and Scar Maturation

This study will evaluate the effect of an allogeneic adipose tissue extract on wound healing and scar maturation. Thirty adult patients scheduled for skin graft surgery will be enrolled. Each patient will have two skin graft donor sites harvested. One skin graft donor site wound will be treated topically with the adipose tissue extract, applied immediately after harvesting and reapplied on Day 3, while the other skin graft donor site wound will receive standard care. The main outcome is the time to complete epithelialization of the wound, as confirmed by investigators and independent reviewers. Secondary measures include wound characteristics, scar formation and scar quality, and monitoring of adverse events, such as wound deterioration.

The Effectiveness of Nano Bio Fusion Gingival Gel (NBF) on Wound Healing at the Palate (Donor Site) After Soft Tissue Graft Surgery Compared to Placebo Gel.

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effect of Nano-biofusion gingival gel (NBF) on wound healing at the palatal donor site following soft tissue graft surgery and compare it to placebo gel. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does NBF gel enhance wound healing after graft harvesting from the palate? * Does NBF gel reduce the number of inflammatory mediators after surgery? * Does NBF gel reduce pain and discomfort at the palatal donor site? Researchers will compare NBF gel to a placebo (a look-alike gel that does not contain the active ingredients) to see if NBF gel enhances wound healing. Study steps include: * Participants will apply the assigned gel on the surgical wound 4 times a day for 4 weeks. * Clinical photographs and measurements will be obtained on days (0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, 21, 30). * Wound fluid samples will be collected on days (0, 1, 2, 4, 7). * Participants will be asked about the level of pain and analgesic consumption on each follow-up visit.

Exploring if Patients Can Safely and Easily Swab Their Own Surgical Wounds at Home

The goal of this observational feasibility study is to learn if patients can safely, acceptably, and effectively collect their own wound swabs at home to detect clinically significant organisms in adults aged 18 and over who have had cardiac surgery via median sternotomy (central chest wound). Participants will be recruited from two sites: Harefield Hospital (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London) and the Royal Sussex County Hospital (University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can home-based patient self-swabbing of surgical wounds provide swabs of sufficient quality for microbiological testing? * Is self-swabbing at home safe and acceptable to patients following cardiac surgery? * Could this approach be a cost-effective way to monitor for surgical wound infections? Participants will: * Receive a co-designed self-swabbing instruction pack, created in collaboration with a patient and public working group and clinical experts. * Be observed via Microsoft Teams by a research practitioner while self-swabbing (or having their carer do so) to assess usability and adherence to instructions. * Participate in a brief interview to share their experiences and feedback on the instructions and swabbing process. * Send completed swabs to the hospital laboratory for analysis to determine the usability and timeliness of the samples.

EDX110 - Efficacy and Safety in the Management of Hard-to-heal Wounds

Post-market study to determine the efficacy of EDX110 dressing system in hard-to-heal wounds.

Hydrocolloid Dressings for Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Wound Healing

This study aims to explore the use of a hydrocolloid dressing (DuoDERM EXTRA THIN) as an alternative to the current standard of care. The dressing would be applied immediately after surgery and removed at a post-operative week 1 appointment. The dressing would eliminate the need for antibiotic ointment application and reduce the burden of post-operative care on the patient.

Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of OROXID® Oral Solution in Patients With Oral Cavity Surgery

Oral tissue healing is significantly affected by the high bacterial load and constant mechanical stress within the oral cavity. To control bacterial colonization and support healing, both topical and systemic treatments-such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents-are commonly recommended. In addition to pharmacological therapies, mouthwashes containing peroxide, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, or chlorhexidine are often used to maintain low levels of pathogenic bacteria. However, current recommendations for mouthwash use are primarily based on their antibacterial properties in a healthy oral environment. Evidence supporting their role in promoting wound healing, particularly after oral surgery, remains limited. OROXID® mouthwash is a medical device formulated with active oxygen (peroxide compounds). It supports the prevention and relief of inflammation in gingival and paranasal tissues through mechanical action: the release of oxygen bubbles helps cleanse tissues by removing debris. OROXID® acts locally on the mucosal microenvironment by moistening, oxygenating, and clearing away particles and dead cells. Additionally, its slightly acidic pH (between 3 and 5) helps inhibit microbial growth. The investigators hypothesize that OROXID® may reduce post-operative side effects and complications following wisdom tooth extraction and contribute to faster wound healing.

A RCT of Moist Ag Dressing in Chronic Wound

This study aims to explore the differences in efficacy and cost-effectiveness between self-adhesive soft polysilicone silver ion foam dressings and traditional silver dressings in local infected wounds through a prospective randomized controlled study. The goal is to provide evidence-based medical support for clinical application, further shorten the wound healing time, and reduce the economic burden on the medical system and patients.

Determinants of Bone Dimensional Changes After Extraction and Alveolar Ridge Preservation

The main purpose of the study is to measure and localize immediate post extraction changes i.e. socket expansion versus no width change along the socket wall and identify whether the immediate post-extraction ridge width condition (expansion or no change) is a determinant of buccolingual ridge width and height changes 4 months following extraction and ridge preservation.

NPWT Reduction Mammaplasty

In this prospective, randomized, split-body control trial, we aim to compare complications, patient-reported outcomes, and cost differentials following reduction mammaplasty with prophylactic closed incision negative pressure wound therapy versus standard adhesive dressing.

HealiAid Collagen Wound Dressing in Patients Undergoing Breast Tumor Surgery

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety of the collagen wound dressing (HealiAid) in breast tumor patients with surgical treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. To record the incidence of the postoperative complications and adverse events (AEs) after applying the HealiAid wound dressing in patients undergoing surgery for breast tumor. 2. To evaluate the patients' satisfaction and quality of life using the Breast Q questionnaire before surgery and at weeks 2, 12, 26, and 52 after the surgery. 3. To evaluate the patients' results of vital signs, hematology tests, tumor marker tests, breast ultrasonography, and mammography after the surgery. Participants will undergo a breast surgery. Within the surgery procedure, the tumor will be completely removed with a margin of 1-2 cm surrounding healthy tissue and the wounds will be cleaned properly before the patients receive the HealiAid Collagen Wound Dressing at treatment visit, and six follow up visits at week 1, 2, 4, 12, 26 and 52.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Split Thickness Skin Grafting to the Lower Leg After Excision of Skin Tumour: A Multicentre Randomised Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus traditional dressings on the incidence of transplant infection in adult patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) to the lower leg following excision of a skin tumour. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does NPWT reduce the incidence of transplant infection within three months after STSG? Does NPWT improve secondary outcomes such as graft take, reduce reoperations, complications, and resource use? Researchers will compare patients treated with NPWT to patients treated with traditional dressings to see if NPWT results in lower infection rates and better clinical outcomes. Participants will: Undergo excision of a skin tumour on the lower leg followed by STSG. Be randomized to receive either NPWT or traditional dressings applied over the graft. Follow a structured postoperative care and mobilisation schedule. Attend follow-up visits at day 5 and day 14 postoperatively and be monitored through medical record review up to three months after surgery.

St. John's Wort Oil for Wound Healing and Pain After Cesarean Section

Cesarean section refers to the surgical procedure in which the fetus is delivered via an incision, typically performed when vaginal delivery is not possible due to high-risk conditions. In recent years, the rate of cesarean deliveries has increased significantly. The quality of treatment and care is crucial in ensuring proper surgical wound healing following cesarean birth. Various new methods and products have been developed for wound healing and care in recent years, some of which are derived from herbal sources. The limitations of pharmacological methods used in the postpartum period, such as treatment failure, concerns about potential harm to the mother and infant, adverse side effects, negative impact on breastfeeding, emergence of resistant microorganisms, and ineffectiveness of current antibiotics, have led individuals to seek alternative natural remedies. Hypericum perforatum (commonly known as St. John's Wort) is frequently used in the postpartum period due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study aims to examine the effects of Hypericum perforatum on wound healing and pain in women following cesarean delivery.

Silk Bioprotein as a Wound Dressing for Double-Incision Mastectomy

This study will investigate the utility of Silk bioprotein, an FDA-approved and readily available post-surgical dressing, as a wound dressing for patients undergoing double-incision mastectomy for female-to-male gender affirmation surgery.

Palatal Mucosa Wound Healing Following Antimicrobial Gel Application

The present study will be a prospective, randomized, triple-blind, split-mouth, clinical trial. The study timeline will be include seven total visits. After a screening/study enrolment visit, a wounding surgery visit (Day 0) will be schedule. On Day 0, one standardized wound will be created on each side of the palate (DFGG required for root coverage procedure). Each side of the palate randomly received either antimicrobial gel (treatment group) or placebo (control group) at day 0, 1 and 3. The patients, an experienced periodontist who performed the surgical procedures and the clinical examiners will be blinded to treatment allocation. Clinical healing response and patient related outcome measures (PROMs) will be evaluated on postoperative Day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30.