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AnastomosisNCT06222645

PPG vs. ICG in Gastrointestinal Resections

A study testing ICG fluorescence imaging technology and Imaging Photoplethysmography System in people with Anastomosis and Perfusion, run by Saint Petersburg State University, Russia at 3 sites in 2 countries.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial compares a novel optical technique against the standard of care for assessing tissue perfusion in gastrointestinal surgery. Participants are randomized to receive either intraoperative imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) or indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
ICG fluorescence imaging technology and Imaging Photoplethysmography System
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
200 participants
Where
3 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
1 Nov 2023to 31 May 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years).
  • Scheduled to undergo an elective gastrointestinal resection requiring a primary gastro-intestinal or entero-enteric anastomosis.
  • Able to understand and provide written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Known hypersensitivity or allergy to indocyanine green (ICG), iodine, or any component of the ICG formulation.
  • Severe hepatic impairment (e.g., Child-Pugh Class C).
  • Pregnancy or lactation.
  • Emergency surgery.
  • Inability to comply with the study protocol or follow-up schedule in the investigator's judgment.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 2 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Victor A. Kashchenko, MD,PD contact

79119289525

surg122@yandex.ru

3 sites in 2 countries

Russia2 sites, 1 recruiting
  • High-Tech Clinic Beloostrov

    Saint Petersburg, Leningradskaya Oblast', 197729

    Active, not recruiting
  • Department of Faculty Surgery, Saint Petersburg State University

    Saint Petersburg, Leningradskaya Oblast', 199034

    Xuan Qiuxuan, MD, 79643511524, qiuxuan100@163.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Russia

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Shandong Linglong Yingcheng Hospital

    Yantai, Shandong, 265400

    Xuan Qiu, MD, 8618354280081, qiuxuan100@163.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Comparison Between Fluorescenceimaging With Photoplethysmography (PPG) and Indocyaningreen (ICG) for Tissue Perfusion in Gastrointestinal Resections

This randomized controlled trial compares a novel optical technique against the standard of care for assessing tissue perfusion in gastrointestinal surgery. Participants are randomized to receive either intraoperative imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) or indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. In the ICG group, the fluorescence data are comprehensively analyzed in two distinct ways: (1) Qualitative Assessment: real-time visual interpretation of the angiogram flow by the operating surgeon; and (2) Quantitative Assessment: software-based analysis of fluorescence kinetics (e.g., time-to-peak, maximum intensity) to generate objective perfusion parameters. The study aims to determine the agreement between the iPPG-based evaluations and both the qualitative and quantitative dimensions of the ICG standard.

Read the detailed description

This randomized, parallel-group clinical study aims to compare two intraoperative imaging strategies for assessing tissue perfusion in a spectrum of gastrointestinal anastomoses, including both gastro-intestinal and entero-enteric reconstructions. The primary objective is to evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of a novel, non-contact optical technique-imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG)-against the current clinical standard, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging.

Eligible and consented patients will be randomly assigned to one of two arms. The iPPG Arm will undergo perfusion evaluation solely using the investigational iPPG system. This method leverages a conventional video camera to detect pulsatile blood volume changes in microvascular tissue, offering a non-invasive, contrast-agent-free approach to perfusion assessment. The ICG Arm will be assessed using the standard fluorescence imaging protocol. A key feature of the study design is the pre-specified, comprehensive analysis within the ICG arm, which will incorporate both a qualitative assessment (the surgeon's real-time visual interpretation of the angiogram) and a quantitative analysis (computer-based calculation of fluorescence kinetics parameters, such as time-to-peak and inflow slope).

The study is designed to provide a head-to-head comparison of the two guiding strategies. Outcomes from the iPPG-guided arm will be systematically benchmarked against those from the ICG-guided arm. Furthermore, the internal comparison between qualitative and quantitative assessments within the ICG arm will yield valuable insights into the optimal methodology for interpreting perfusion data in clinical practice. This design allows for the evaluation of iPPG not only as a potential alternative to ICG but also for the refinement of the standard itself.

Being tested
ICG fluorescence imaging technology, Imaging Photoplethysmography System
Keywords
Photoplethysmography, Indocyanine Green, Fluorescence Imaging, Anastomotic Leak, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tissue Perfusion, Intraoperative Monitoring
Medical subject headings
Postoperative Complications, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Stomach Neoplasms, Colorectal Neoplasms, Anastomotic Leak

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • ICG fluorescence imaging technologyDrug

    Also called ICG Imaging, ICG Angiography, Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

    This intervention involves the intravenous injection of the fluorescent contrast agent Indocyanine Green (ICG), followed by imaging with a near-infrared fluorescence camera system. Upon illumination with near-infrared light, ICG in the bloodstream fluoresces, allowing for real-time visualization of blood flow and tissue perfusion (qualitative assessment). Additionally, the fluorescence intensity over time can be recorded for subsequent quantitative analysis of perfusion kinetics.

  • Imaging Photoplethysmography SystemDevice

    Also called iPPG, PPG Imaging

    Imaging photoplethysmography is a non-contact, camera-based optical imaging technique. This investigational system operates by detecting subtle modulations in optical signals associated with pulsatile blood volume changes in microvascular tissue. It utilizes a conventional video camera to capture these signals and generates real-time tissue perfusion maps without the need for any exogenous contrast agents. The system is designed to provide intraoperative guidance for assessing tissue viability during gastrointestinal anastomoses.

Study groups in NCT06222645
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging systemActive comparatorParticipants in this arm undergo intraoperative tissue perfusion assessment guided by the standard Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. This involves intravenous ICG injection. Perfusion is evaluated comprehensively through both qualitative (surgeon's visual interpretation) and quantitative (computer-based analysis of fluorescence kinetics, e.g., time-to-peak) methods. This arm represents the current standard of care.
Receives: Drug: ICG fluorescence imaging technology; Device: Imaging Photoplethysmography System
imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG)ExperimentalParticipants in this arm undergo intraoperative tissue perfusion assessment guided by the investigational Imaging Photoplethysmography (iPPG) system. This non-contact, camera-based technique detects microvascular blood volume changes without requiring exogenous contrast agents. The surgical team uses the real-time iPPG perfusion maps to evaluate anastomotic viability and guide surgical decisions.
Receives: Drug: ICG fluorescence imaging technology; Device: Imaging Photoplethysmography System

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Incidence of Anastomotic Leak

    Comparison of the rate of clinically significant anastomotic leak between the iPPG-guided group and the ICG-guided group. Anastomotic leak is defined as a full-thickness defect requiring radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention, as confirmed by an independent clinical events committee within 30 days postoperatively.

    Measured: 30 days postoperatively

  2. Incidence of Anastomotic Leak: Qualitative vs Quantitative ICG Assessment

    Comparison of the rate of clinically significant anastomotic leak between patients whose intraoperative assessment was based on qualitative ICG imaging (surgeon's visual interpretation) versus those assessed with quantitative ICG parameters (software-based kinetic analysis). Anastomotic leak is defined as a full-thickness gastrointestinal defect requiring postoperative radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention, as confirmed by an independent adjudication committee. This analysis will be performed specifically within the cohort of patients randomized to the ICG arm.

    Measured: 30 days postoperatively

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Diagnostic Performance for Predicting Anastomotic Leak

    To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the intraoperative iPPG assessment versus the standard ICG assessment (including both qualitative and quantitative methods) in predicting the occurrence of a postoperative anastomotic leak. The perfusion assessment during surgery will be dichotomized as 'inadequate' or 'adequate'. Diagnostic performance metrics including Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), and the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) will be calculated for each modality against the clinical outcome of anastomotic leak.

    Measured: he perfusion assessment is performed intraoperatively. The outcome (anastomotic leak) is assessed at 30 days postoperatively.

  2. Rate of Anastomotic Revision Based on Perfusion Assessment

    To quantify and compare the immediate impact of perfusion assessment on surgical decision-making by recording the frequency at which the operating surgeon decides to revise the anastomosis (i.e., resect and re-anastomose the bowel segment) based solely on the intraoperative findings of either iPPG or ICG imaging. The revision rate will be calculated as the proportion of patients in each arm (iPPG and ICG) for whom the anastomosis was revised due to perceived inadequate perfusion.

    Measured: Intraoperative (Measured immediately following the perfusion assessment of the initially constructed anastomosis)

  3. Overall Postoperative Complication Rate

    To comprehensively evaluate and compare the overall postoperative morbidity between the iPPG-guided group and the ICG-guided group. All complications occurring within 30 days after surgery will be recorded and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. This standardized system categorizes complications based on the level of intervention required for management, ranging from Grade I (any deviation from the normal postoperative course not requiring pharmacological/surgical intervention) to Grade V (death). The comparison will focus on the incidence of complications of Grade II and above.

    Measured: 30 days postoperatively

  4. Rate of Re-intervention

    To compare the incidence of unplanned, procedure-related re-interventions between the iPPG-guided and ICG-guided groups. A re-intervention is defined as any subsequent surgical, endoscopic, or radiology-guided invasive procedure required to manage a complication related to the initial gastrointestinal resection and anastomosis (e.g., control of bleeding, drainage of an intra-abdominal collection, or repair of an anastomotic leak). Planned, staged procedures are excluded. The rate is calculated as the proportion of patients in each group undergoing at least one such re-intervention.

    Measured: 30 days postoperatively

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 Jan 2024
  2. Study start1 Nov 2023
  3. Primary completion30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 May 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Diagnosis
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study employs a randomized, parallel-group design. Participants are randomly allocated to one of two distinct intraoperative assessment arms: 1. iPPG Arm: Perfusion assessment is guided solely by the investigational Imaging Photoplethysmography (iPPG) system. 2. ICG Arm: Perfusion assessment is guided by the standard Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. The evaluation within this arm is comprehensive, encompassing both qualitative assessment (real-time visual interpretation of the angiogram by the surgeon) and quantitative analysis (software-based kinetics of the fluorescence intensity). The primary comparative analysis will benchmark the outcomes from the iPPG arm against those from the combined qualitative and quantitative assessments in the ICG arm.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
200 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06222645
Sponsor's protocol ID
spbuippg001
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
21 Dec 2023
Last updated
18 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing ICG fluorescence imaging technology and Imaging Photoplethysmography System in people with Anastomosis and Perfusion, run by Saint Petersburg State University, Russia at 3 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Russia, China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Xuan - Qiu, MD (79643411524, st122986@student.spbu.ru), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Incidence of Anastomotic Leak (time frame: 30 days postoperatively). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Nov 2025.

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