A dye that lights up blood flow may help surgeons save limbs and prevent infection

NCT ID NCT04416412

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

After a severe open fracture, surgeons must remove dead or damaged tissue to prevent infection, but it can be hard to tell what is healthy. This study tests whether injecting a fluorescent dye (ICG) and using a special camera during surgery can show blood flow in real time, helping guide the cleaning. Researchers will follow 124 adults with open leg or arm fractures to see if the imaging is linked to fewer infections or unplanned repeat surgeries.

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) dye injected intravenously and imaged with a near-infrared surgical microscope
What this could lead to: If it works, this imaging technique could help surgeons remove only the truly damaged tissue, potentially reducing infections and repeat surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is an early observational study, so it will only show whether the imaging is linked to outcomes, not prove it improves them. The dye and camera are already approved for other uses, but their value in trauma is unproven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Accidental Injuries Fractures, Open injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

TRAUMA INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 021115, United States
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States
University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California, 92614, United States
University of Maryland, Baltimore R. Cowley Shock Trauma

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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