Comparing chest tube methods for treating traumatic pneumothorax
Suction Versus Water Seal for Initial Treatment of Traumatic Pneumothorax Trial
This study is testing whether using a water seal or suction method for placing chest tubes can help patients with traumatic pneumothorax recover faster without causing more problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06688734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two methods for placing chest tubes in patients with traumatic pneumothoraces: water seal versus suction. The study will alternate the initial treatment method each month to assess which approach leads to a shorter duration of chest tube placement without increasing complications. Patients admitted to the trauma surgery service with a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube will be included, while other management decisions will be left to the providers. The primary goal is to determine if the water seal method is more effective than suction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults admitted to the trauma surgery service with a pneumothorax that requires a chest tube.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, pregnant, prisoners, or have significant hemothorax may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of traumatic pneumothorax, resulting in shorter hospital stays and reduced complications for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored various methods for managing pneumothorax, but this specific comparison of water seal versus suction is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * admitted to the trauma surgery service * pneumothorax requiring a chest tube Exclusion Criteria: * less than 18 years olf * pregnant * prisoner * greater than 300cc of hemothorax on CT * chest tube placed prior to CT scan
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eric O Yeates, MD
- Email: eric.yeates@vumc.org
- Phone: 8186320995
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.