Could a blood pressure cuff save your surgical flap?

NCT ID NCT03535623

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Seoul National University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a simple procedure called remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) could improve healing of tissue flaps in head and neck cancer patients who had prior radiotherapy. RIPC involves briefly inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to create short periods of reduced blood flow. The trial included 44 adults undergoing free flap reconstructive surgery. Researchers measured tissue oxygen and skin temperature of the flap to see if RIPC helped.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug method to improve surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is experimental and may not show clear benefit.

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.

head and neck cancer ischemia reperfusion injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ISCHEMIC REPERFUSION INJURY OTHER RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY RADIOTHERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Seoul National University Hospital

Seoul, 03080, South Korea

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