RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Central Venous Catheter Placement With Thoracic Ultrasound and Intracavity ECG Positioning

This study is testing two new methods for checking if a central line, which is a thin tube inserted into a large vein in your neck, is put in the right place and hasn't caused any problems. Doctors often put these lines in very ill patients to give medicines and fluids. Currently, a chest X-ray is always taken afterwards. This study wants to see if using a special heart monitor (Intracavity ECG) while putting the line in, and an ultrasound scan of the chest afterwards, can check things just as well, or even better, than a chest X-ray. These new methods might make the process quicker, reduce the need for X-rays, and make care more efficient.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Central Venous Catheter Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)Intracavitary Electrocardiogram Guiding Feasibility Studies

What is this study about?

When you're very unwell, doctors sometimes need to insert a special tube called a central line into a large vein in your neck. This line is important because it allows them to give you medicines, fluids, and take blood samples easily. After putting in a central line, it's very important to make sure it's in the correct position and that it hasn't caused any problems, like a tiny air leak in the lung (called a pneumothorax).

Currently, the usual way to check this is by taking a chest X-ray. While X-rays are good, they can take time to do and review, meaning there might be a delay in confirming that everything is okay. Also, having X-rays means you're exposed to a small amount of radiation, and it can make busy hospitals less efficient.

This study is looking into two different ways that might help doctors confirm the central line's position quicker and safer, right at your bedside. One method uses a special heart monitor (called an Intracavity ECG) which can tell the doctor exactly where the tip of the central line is as they're putting it in. The other method uses a small ultrasound device to scan your chest and check for any air leaks in your lung, which can be done in minutes. By trying out these new methods, doctors hope to improve how quickly and safely central lines are checked after insertion, helping you get the care you need sooner.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates new ways to confirm central line placement.
It compares standard X-rays with special heart monitoring (ECG) and chest ultrasound.
The aim is to check if new methods are faster, safer, and reduce X-ray use.
You'll be randomly assigned to either standard care or the new methods.
All participants will still have a chest X-ray for comparison.
Taking part helps improve future care for critically ill patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult (aged 18 or over) who is either already in critical care or is planning to be, and needs a central line put into a vein in your neck as part of your regular treatment. The doctors would need to be able to put the line in on either the left or right side of your neck.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation, or if you are very unstable and need high doses of certain medications. Also, if there are difficulties getting a good ultrasound picture of your chest – for instance, if you weigh more than 120kg, already have an air leak in your lung, have severe swelling under your skin, or have wounds or dressings on your chest – you might not be able to take part. If you have a pacemaker, you also can't participate. Finally, if you've already been part of this specific study before, have difficulty speaking English, or if doctors feel your condition means you're very near the end of your life, you wouldn't be included.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you need a central line inserted in your neck?
Can the central line be placed on either side of your neck if needed?
Do you have certain heart rhythm problems or severe heart instability?
Do you have a pacemaker?
Can you provide a good chest ultrasound image (e.g., no large body size, skin conditions, or existing lung problems impacting scans)?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the standard care for putting in a central line, which involves using ultrasound to guide the insertion and then having a chest X-ray afterwards to check. The other group will also have ultrasound guidance, but doctors will also use the special heart monitor (Intracavity ECG) while putting the line in, and then use a chest ultrasound scan right after. Everyone in both groups will still have a chest X-ray after the procedure. This X-ray is important so the study doctors can compare how well the new methods work against the standard X-ray.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this helps us learn new things that could improve care for everyone in the future. You might find that the new methods mean a quicker check of your central line and possibly fewer X-rays in the future, though everyone in this study will still have an X-ray for comparison. As with any medical procedure, there are always some risks, but the doctors will be using established techniques and closely monitoring you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
York, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a central line?

A central line is a special thin tube inserted into a large vein, usually in your neck, to give medicines, fluids, and take blood easily, especially when you are very unwell.

What is an Intracavity ECG?

It's a special heart monitor used during the central line insertion to help doctors quickly see if the tip of the line is in the correct place inside your vein.

What is a chest ultrasound scan?

This is a quick and harmless scan using sound waves to check your lungs for any air leaks after the central line is put in, which is a rare but possible side effect.

Will I still have an X-ray?

Yes, everyone in the study will still have a chest X-ray after the procedure. This helps the study doctors compare the new methods against the standard way of checking.

Will this study affect my normal care?

No, your medical care will not be affected. You will receive the central line you need as usual, and the study just looks at different ways to check its placement.

How to find out more

Andrew Chamberlain, MBChB

andrew.chamberlain8@nhs.net +441904 631313 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.