Gravity Versus Vacuum Based Indwelling Tunneled Pleural Drainage System (NCT03831386)
The Impact of a Gravity Versus Vacuum Based Indwelling Tunneled Pleural Drainage System on Pain: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Malignant pleural effusion remains a debilitating complication of end stage cancer, which can be greatly improved by the introduction of the indwelling tunneled pleural catheter (IPC). However, there is no standard of care regarding drainage and limited data on the utility of different drainage techniques. In addition, many patients develop discomfort and chest pain during drainage. The investigators propose to evaluate gravity drainage and suction drainage on quality of life measures and outcomes.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Northwest Community Healthcare — Arlington Heights, Illinois
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Vacuum-Based IPC (PROCEDURE)
- Gravity-Based IPC (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (6 Sites)
- Northwest Community Healthcare — Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee
- Swedish Medical Center — Seattle, Washington
- University of Oxford — Oxford,
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Pleural Effusion
- The ACES Study for Aseptic Pleural Effusion — Hollywood, Florida
- Pleuroscopy First Versus Thoracentesis First in Patients With Suspected Malignant Pleural Effusions — New York, New York
Explore by condition: All Pleural Effusion clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.