RecruitingInterventional

Comparing large chest drains with small chest drains to explore the best treatments for chest injury

If you experience a chest injury, air or blood can build up around your lungs. Doctors often insert a tube to help drain this. This study looks at whether using a smaller tube, put in with a needle and wire, is better than a larger tube, put in through a small cut. Currently, large tubes are common across the NHS, but they can cause issues like pain or infection. Smaller tubes are used for other health problems and might be safer for chest injuries. The research will involve around 1600 adults across the UK and aims to discover which tube type is more effective, causes fewer problems, and is better value for the NHS. This will help doctors choose the best treatment for patients with chest injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

North Bristol NHS Trust

Enrolment target

1,678

Start

19 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2028

Specialty: Trauma and Emergency Care, Primary sub-specialty: Emergency Medicine; Health Category: Injuries and accidents, Respiratory; Disease/Condition: Injuries to the thorax

What is this study about?

When someone has a chest injury, it can cause air or blood to collect in the space between their lungs and ribs. To help the lungs recover, doctors usually need to put a tube into the chest to drain this build-up. For a long time, doctors have used larger tubes, which are inserted through a small cut in the chest. However, these larger tubes can sometimes lead to problems like pain, infection, or scarring. More recently, smaller tubes, which are put in using a needle and wire, have been used for other medical conditions and might be safer.

This study is designed to compare these two types of chest drains: the traditional large tube and the newer, smaller tube. The main goal is to find out which one is better and safer for people who have had a chest injury. It will also look at whether one type of drain is more cost-effective for the NHS. Over 30,000 people in the UK get this kind of treatment each year, so finding the best approach is very important for patients and for the healthcare system.

By comparing these two treatments, the study hopes to show whether the smaller chest drain is a better option for people after an injury. The results will be shared widely with doctors and patients to help improve care across the NHS. They even plan to make a short film to explain the findings clearly and ensure that the information reaches those who need it most.

Key takeaways

Compares small vs. large chest drains for injury.
Aims to find safer, more effective treatment.
Impacts future care for thousands of patients.
You won't get extra hospital visits.
Participation helps improve NHS treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 16 and over who have come to the hospital with a chest injury. This injury would need to be confirmed by a scan and involve air or blood around their lungs, which the doctors think needs a chest drain.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if the doctors believe their injuries are so severe they can't be treated, or if they are in cardiac arrest (their heart has stopped) when they are being considered for the study. Also, if it turns out someone is under 16, they won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Do you have a chest injury with air or blood around your lung?
Has a doctor said you need a chest drain for this injury?
Are you not in immediate life-threatening condition where treatment would be paused?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, a doctor or nurse will explain everything to you and get your permission. Sometimes, if a patient is too unwell, a family member or legal representative might give permission instead. Once you've agreed, a computer will randomly decide whether you receive the small chest drain or the large chest drain. You'll still get the best possible care, and nothing else about your treatment will change, only the type of drain inserted.

After your drain is put in, the study team will monitor your progress closely for 30 days. You'll also be asked to complete some questionnaires about your general health, how you're feeling, and any pain or breathing issues at the start, then again 30 days and six months after joining. These questionnaires can be done in person, online, over the phone, or on paper, whichever suits you best, and someone can help you fill them out if needed. You won't need extra hospital visits for the study itself.

Potential risks and benefits

It's not yet known if you'll directly benefit from taking part in this study. The main benefit is that your participation will help doctors understand the best way to treat future patients with similar chest injuries and which type of drain is safest and most effective. While small drains are already used safely for other conditions, using them for injuries is a new area, so the study will very carefully monitor any complications related to either type of drain. The study aims to keep any extra tasks for you to a minimum, primarily through questionnaires that you can complete at home. You are always free to leave the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (22)

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Chesterfield, England
Watford General Hospital
Approximate
Watford, England
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, England
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
City only
Belfast, England
North Tyneside General Hospital
Unverified
North Shields, England
James Cook University Hospital
Unverified
Middlesbrough, England
Hull Royal Infirmary
Unverified
Hull, England
Kettering General Hospital
Unverified
Kettering, England
The Maidstone Hospital
Unverified
Maidstone, England
John Radcliffe Hospital
Unverified
Oxford, England
St George's Hospital
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What is a chest drain?

A tube doctors put into your chest to remove extra air or blood that collects around your lungs after an injury.

Why are there two types of drains being studied?

Doctors want to find out if smaller, newer drains are safer and work better than the larger drains they usually use for chest injuries.

Will I get extra hospital visits if I join?

No, you won't need to make extra hospital visits. Your follow-up will mainly involve completing questionnaires, which can be done from home.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTA) in the UK.

How long will the study last for me?

You'll be part of the study for about six months after your chest drain is put in, mainly for your follow-up questionnaires.

How to find out more

Graziella Mazza

comited2-trial@bristol.ac.uk +44 117 455 0644 Official trial record

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