Comparing digital and analog chest tube drainage systems in children

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Digital Chest Tube Drainage System (Thopaz+) Versus Analog in Pediatric Patients

NA · University of Oklahoma · NCT05511987

This study is testing whether a new digital chest tube drainage system works better than the traditional one for kids who need chest tubes for lung issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages0 Minutes to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT05511987 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Thopaz digital chest tube drainage system compared to the traditional analog system in pediatric patients requiring chest tube placement for spontaneous pneumothorax or pulmonary resection. It is a single-site, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at The Children's Hospital at OU Health. Participants will be randomized to receive either the digital or analog system, and various outcomes such as duration of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, and complications will be measured. The study aims to fill a gap in the literature regarding the benefits of digital drainage systems in a pediatric population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 17 years or younger who require chest tube placement for specific conditions.

Not a fit: Patients over 17 years old or those with certain medical conditions such as malignant pleural effusion or neurological dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of chest tube drainage in children, potentially reducing hospital stays and complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on digital drainage systems in adults, this is one of the first prospective trials specifically examining their use in pediatric patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age≤17 years old
* requiring chest tube placement for spontaneous pneumothorax or pulmonary resection by a surgeon (or surgical trainee) at The Children's Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* age≥18-year-old
* chest tube placement by neonatologist or pediatrician,
* malignant pleural effusion
* re-operation or emergent operation
* pre-operative chemotherapy or radiation or history of chemotherapy or radiation within the past 12 months
* renal or hepatic failure
* neurological dysfunction
* empyema

Where this trial is running

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Air Leakage, chest tube

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.