Glowing dye could make spine surgery safer

NCT ID NCT05808140

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Zhongnan Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a green dye called indocyanine green (ICG) can help surgeons see and protect nerves during spine surgery for a slipped disc. Forty patients were split into groups: some got the dye and a special camera, others had standard surgery. The goal was to see if the dye makes finding nerves faster and safer, potentially reducing nerve damage that can cause numbness or weakness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Indocyanine Green (ICG)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could make spine surgery safer by helping surgeons avoid damaging nerves, reducing the risk of numbness or weakness after surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The dye might not work well in all patients, and there is a small risk of allergic reactions.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Intervertebral Disc Displacement lumbar disk herniation, susceptibility to

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DISC HERNIATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University

Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, China

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