Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Air introduction during pleural effusion drainage for trapped lung

Official title: Air Entrainment vs. Standard Treatment in Non-Expandable Lung With Persistent Pleural Effusion: A Randomised Controlled Double-Blind Trial

Run by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06959719 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if adding air during the drainage of fluid from the chest can help adults with a trapped lung feel less pain and have a better experience compared to the usual method.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment41 (estimated)
SponsorCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 14, 2025
Main results expectedApril 2026
Study endsOctober 30, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT06959719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of non-expandable lung and persistent pleural effusion scheduled for drainage.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of pleurodesis, active infections, or those requiring indwelling pleural catheters may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of controlled air introduction into the pleural space during drainage of pleural effusions in patients with non-expandable lung (NEL). The study aims to determine if this air entrainment technique can reduce pain, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance fluid drainage compared to standard treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the air entrainment group or the control group, with assessments made on pain relief, fluid volume drained, and overall patient experience. The trial is conducted at Cambridge University Hospital and includes adults scheduled for pleural effusion drainage.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve the overall experience for patients undergoing pleural effusion drainage.

How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, preliminary evaluations suggest that air entrainment may provide better pain relief than traditional methods.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of NEL and persistent pleural effusion.
* Patients who are scheduled for pleural effusion drainage as part of their standard care.
* Ability to adequately understand verbal or written information in English and provide informed consent in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a history of pleurodesis or other procedures that may affect pleural dynamics.
* Patients with active infections or other acute medical conditions that could interfere with the study.
* Patient with multifactorial pain and high baseline score pain defined as VAS \>= 5
* Patients requiring IPC
* Individuals with known contraindications to pleural drainage or air entrainment.
* Patients who cannot provide informed consent in English, do not adequately understand verbal or written information in English or have special communication needs.

Where it's running

  • Addenbrooke's Hospital
    Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.