RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study and Modeling of Perforator Flap Vascularization

This study is about improving reconstructive surgery, where doctors move body tissue from one area to another to repair damage. They're focusing on a special type of skin graft called a "perforator flap." These flaps are great because they use only skin and fat, avoiding the need to take muscle, which means less harm to the area where the tissue came from. However, doctors don't fully understand how these flaps get their blood supply, which is vital for them to heal and work well. Current knowledge often comes from studies on deceased bodies, which don't show how things work in a living person. This research aims to use special tools during surgery to measure blood flow in these flaps, hoping to learn more and make reconstructive surgery safer and more successful for patients needing repairs after injuries or other conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

Start

15 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

15 Jul 2026

Reconstructive Surgery Using Pedicled Perforating or Free Perforating Flaps Pelvic Eschar Traumatic Pathology of the Lower and/or Upper Limb

What is this study about?

Imagine you have an injury or condition that has damaged a part of your body. Sometimes, doctors need to replace missing tissue to help that part heal and work properly again. This is called reconstructive surgery. One clever way they do this is by taking a piece of your own skin and fatty tissue, called a "flap," from one part of your body and moving it to the area that needs repair. This study is specifically looking at a modern type of flap called a "perforator flap."

What makes perforator flaps special is that they only use skin and fat, not muscle. In the past, doctors often had to take muscle along with the skin to ensure the flap had a good blood supply. Taking muscle can cause problems or weakness in the area it was taken from. By using only skin and fat, perforator flaps often lead to fewer problems and a quicker recovery for the "donor site" – the place where the tissue was taken.

The main challenge is that we don't fully understand how these flaps get their blood supply, which is absolutely crucial for them to survive and heal in their new location. Our current understanding often comes from studies done on deceased bodies, but these don't show how blood flows in a living person, where factors like body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate all play a big role. This study aims to fill that gap by using special measuring tools during surgery to see exactly how blood flows into these perforator flaps. By learning more about this process, doctors hope to improve these surgeries, making them more reliable and successful for patients who need them after serious injuries or other conditions affecting their arms, legs, or other body parts.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve reconstructive surgery for injuries or body damage.
It focuses on 'perforator flaps' – skin and fat grafts that avoid taking muscle.
Researchers will measure blood flow in these flaps during surgery.
The goal is to understand how these flaps work better to improve future surgeries.
Participation involves no extra procedures or follow-up appointments.
It helps medical science without adding new risks to your care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be a grown-up aged between 18 and 70. You would also be having a specific type of reconstructive surgery using these special skin and fat grafts called "perforator flaps." The flap being used for your surgery would need to be at least 50 square centimetres (about the size of a small postcard) so that the researchers can properly measure its blood flow.

Specifically, if you are having a perforator flap to treat a wound on your pelvis (the area between your hips), you might be included. If your perforator flap surgery is to repair damage from an injury to your arm or leg, you could also be included.

However, there are reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if you don't agree to take part, or if you're already in another research study that prevents you from joining new ones. Also, if you don't have healthcare coverage or are under certain legal protections, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Are you having reconstructive surgery using a 'perforator flap'?
Is your flap at least 50 square centimetres in size?
Is your surgery for a pelvic wound, or an injury to your arm or leg?
Are you not currently involved in another clinical study that would prevent you from joining this one?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the doctors and nurses will use special devices during your reconstructive surgery to measure how blood flows into your new skin flap. These tools, called PeriCam and PeriFlux, harmlessly measure blood circulation on the surface of your skin. These measurements will happen while you are already undergoing your planned surgery. There are no extra hospital visits or follow-up appointments solely for this study. The study activities will be integrated into the surgery you are already having. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time you are in surgery when these measurements are being taken. There are no additional medications or long-term assessments required for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study doesn't introduce any new medical risks beyond those usually associated with your planned reconstructive surgery. The special measuring tools simply gather information and are not expected to affect your surgery or recovery. There is no direct personal benefit to you from being part of this study, as the measurements are for research purposes. However, your participation will help doctors better understand and improve reconstructive surgery techniques, potentially benefiting future patients. Remember, participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'perforator flap'?

It's a special type of skin graft used in surgery where doctors move a piece of skin and fat from one part of your body to another to repair damage, without taking muscle.

Why are you studying this?

We want to understand better how these skin flaps get their blood supply. This knowledge can help doctors make reconstructive surgeries more successful and reliable for patients.

Will taking part involve extra procedures?

No, the study measurements will happen during the surgery you are already having. There are no extra tests, visits, or procedures just for the study.

Are there any side effects from the study tools?

The tools used are safe and non-invasive. They just measure blood flow and are not expected to cause any side effects or alter your surgery results.

Can I decide not to take part or change my mind?

Yes, taking part is completely your choice. You can say no, or withdraw from the study at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Christian HERLIN, MD, PhD

c-herlin@chu-montpellier.fr +33467330589 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.