Heart surgery patients may soon swab their own wounds at home

NCT ID NCT07200401

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at whether patients who had heart surgery can safely and effectively collect swabs from their own chest wounds at home. 43 adults were observed via video call as they swabbed themselves, then sent the samples to a lab. The goal was to see if this method is acceptable, safe, and could save money by reducing hospital visits.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could allow patients to monitor their own wounds at home, reducing hospital visits and catching infections earlier.
What could go wrong: This is a small feasibility study with only 43 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The method may not work for all wound types or patients.

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 injury Soft Tissue Infections

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CARDIAC SURGERY INFECTION, SOFT TISSUE SELF-MANAGEMENT SWABS WOUND HEALING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Harefield Hospital

Harefield, UB9 6JH, United Kingdom
Royal Sussex County Hospital

Brighton, BN2 5BE, United Kingdom

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