BASIC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised, controlled trial of the use of a dedicated ballooned intercostal drain
IRAS ID
217496
Contact name
Samuel Kemp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
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.
A small trial of the new drains suggested that there was a reduced need for further procedures without causing any additional discomfort or problems. We propose a randomised controlled trial (i.e. patients are randomly assigned to either the new treatment or to standard care) 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
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0607
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion