Can a sticky shield stop heart device infections?

NCT ID NCT04591366

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether an iodine-coated barrier dressing applied before surgery can reduce bacteria around heart devices like pacemakers. About 390 adults having a device replacement or upgrade are randomly assigned to get the dressing before or after the incision. Researchers then swab the pocket to see if the dressing cuts contamination.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: iodine impregnated barrier dressing
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple way to lower infection rates in heart device surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study, not a large definitive trial. The main outcome is a lab swab, not actual infection rates, so results may not translate to fewer infections.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Infections infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada

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