Comparing normal saline and heparin for keeping small chest catheters open

Safety And Efficacy Of 8 Hourly Normal Saline Flushing With And Without Heparin Lock In Maintaining Small Bore Intercostal Chest Catheter (ICC) Patency ; A Prospective Pilot Study

NA · National University of Malaysia · NCT06314620

This study is testing whether using normal saline or heparin is better for keeping small chest catheters open in patients who need to drain fluid from around their lungs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNational University of Malaysia (other)
Locations1 site (Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur)
Trial IDNCT06314620 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of normal saline flushing versus heparin saline locking in maintaining the patency of small bore intercostal chest catheters in patients with pleural effusion. It is a prospective open-label randomized controlled pilot study conducted at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, focusing on patients who require pleural drainage. The study aims to determine the rate of catheter occlusion and any associated adverse effects between the two methods of maintenance. By comparing these two approaches, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes in pleural disease management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients admitted for pleural effusion who have small bore intercostal catheters inserted.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as hydropneumothorax, severe coagulopathy, or those who are unconscious will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of pleural effusions by reducing catheter occlusions, enhancing patient comfort and treatment efficacy.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being tested in this specific context, similar studies have shown promise in improving catheter management, making this a relevant investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted in medical wards for pleural effusion who had small bore intercostal catheters inserted.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with hydropneumothorax with small bore intercostal catheters
* Patients with septated effusion planned for intrapleural fibrinolysis
* Patients with severe coagulopathy

  * INR ≥ 1.5
  * PT \> 37s
  * aPTT \> 100s
* Patients with thrombocytopenia of less than 50 x 109/L
* Patients who has not consented to be involved in the study
* Patients with indwelling pleural catheters
* Unconscious patients will be excluded from this study
* Patients with poor GCS score will be excluded from this study

Where this trial is running

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

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: Pleural Effusion

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.