Ballooned intercostal drain pilot study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility and safety study of the use of a dedicated ballooned intercostal drain
IRAS ID
116766
Contact name
Samuel Kemp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
The use of a tube inserted between the ribs (intercostal drain) to remove air or fluid from around the lung is an essential tool in the management of respiratory patients. A common complication of drain insertion is accidental removal of the drain, usually as a result of inadequate securing techniques. This often results in the need for further medical or surgical procedures (including drain re-siting), with associated additional risk to the patient and an increase in health care costs. One suggested method to reduce premature drain removal is to use intercostal drains with ballooned tips. The balloon would then provide a relatively atraumatic physical obstruction to the drain insertion site.
We propose a trial of a dedicated ballooned intercostal drain to investigate whether a reduction in drain re-siting rates can be achieved. Pain scores will also be assessed during this trial to ensure that irritation of the lining of the lung and chest wall is not prohibitive.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0456
Date of REC Opinion
30 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion