Clinical Research Directory

Study of the Disease Process of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a destructive lung disease typically affecting women of childbearing age. Currently, there is no effective therapy for the disease and the prognosis is poor. This study is designed to determine the disease processes involved at the level of cells and molecules, in order to develop more effective therapy. Researchers intend to identify the proteins and genes that contribute to the process of lung destruction in affected individuals.

Genetic Analysis of Birt Hogg-Dube Syndrome and Characterization of Predisposition to Kidney Cancer

This study will investigate the genetic cause of Birt Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome and the relationship of this disorder to kidney cancer. BHD is a rare inherited condition characterized by papules, or bumps-benign tumors involving hair follicles-on the head and neck. People with BHD are at increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Scientists have identified the chromosome (strand of genetic material in the cell nucleus) that contains the BHD gene and the region of the gene on the chromosome. This study will try to learn more about: * The characteristics and type of kidney tumors associated with BHD * The risk of kidney cancer in people with BHD * Whether more than one gene causes BHD * The genetic mutations (changes) responsible for BHD Patients with known or suspected Birt Hogg-Dube syndrome, and their family members, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a family history and review of medical records, including pathology reports for tumors, and films of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants may undergo various tests and procedures, including the following: * Physical examination * Review of personal and family history with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor * Chest and other x-rays * Ultrasound (imaging study using sound waves) * MRI (imaging study using radiowaves and a magnetic field) * CT scans of the chest and abdomen (imaging studies using radiation) * Blood tests for blood chemistries and genetic testing * Skin evaluation, including a skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small skin tissue sample for microscopic evaluation) * Cheek swab or mouthwash to collect cells for genetic analysis * Lung function studies * Medical photography of skin lesions These tests will be done on an outpatient basis in either one day or over 3 to 4 days. When the studies are complete, participants will receive counseling about the findings and recommendations. Patients with kidney lesions may be asked to return periodically, such as every 3 to 36 months, based on their individual condition, to document the rate of progression of the lesions.

Predicting the Need for Prolonged Respiratory Support in Neonates Delivered in a Lower-Level NICU Setting

The purpose of this study is to analyze the gastric fluid aspirated from the stomachs of neonates receiving routine post-delivery care to predict the need for prolonged respiratory support (\>6 hours of life).

AI-Assisted Chest X-Ray for Misplaced Endotracheal and Nasogastric Tubes and Pneumothorax in Emergency and Critical Care Settings

Background Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have driven significant breakthroughs in computer-aided detection (CAD) for chest X-ray imaging. National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) research team previously developed an AI-based emergency Capstone CXR system (MOST 111-2634-F-002-015-, Capstone project), which led to the creation of a chest X-ray module. This chest X-ray module has an established model supported by extensive research and is ready for direct application in clinical trials without requiring additional model training. This study will utilize three submodules of the system: detection of misplaced endotracheal tubes, detection of misplaced nasogastric tubes, and identification of pneumothorax. Objective This study aims to apply a real-time chest X-ray CAD system in emergency and critical care settings to evaluate its clinical and economic benefits without requiring additional chest X-ray examinations or altering standard care and procedures. The study will evaluate the CAD system's impact on mortality reduction, post-intubation complications, hospital stay duration, workload, and interpretation time, alongside a cost-effectiveness comparison with standard care. Methods This study adopts a pilot trial and cluster randomized controlled trial design, with random assignment conducted at the ward level. In the intervention group, units are granted access to AI diagnostic results, while the control group continues standard care practices. Consent will be obtained from attending physicians, residents, and advanced practice nurses in each participating ward. Once consent is secured, these healthcare providers in the intervention group will be authorized to use the CAD system. Intervention units will have access to AI-generated interpretations, whereas control units will maintain routine medical procedures without access to the AI diagnostic outputs. Results The study was funded in September 2024. Data collection is expected to last from January 2025 to December 2027. Conclusions This study anticipates that the real-time chest X-ray CAD system will automate the identification and detection of misplaced endotracheal and nasogastric tubes on chest X-rays, as well as assist clinicians in diagnosing pneumothorax. By reducing the workload of physicians, the system is expected to shorten the time required to detect tube misplacement and pneumothorax, decrease patient mortality and hospital stays, and ultimately lower healthcare costs.

Safety And Recovery Of Tubeless Strategy In Uniportal VATS Wedge Resection

Brief Summary The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and recovery outcomes of different tubeless strategies in adult patients undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) wedge resection who are confirmed to have no persistent air leak intraoperatively. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does double intraoperative aspiration tubeless strategy reduce the rate of postoperative pleural re-intervention within 30 days compared with single intraoperative aspiration tubeless strategy? Do different intraoperative pleural space management strategies affect early postoperative recovery quality and pain? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare conventional chest tube drainage, single intraoperative aspiration tubeless, and double intraoperative aspiration tubeless strategies to determine their effects on postoperative pleural re-intervention and recovery outcomes. Participants will: Undergo uniportal VATS wedge resection Receive a standardized intraoperative air leak test before chest closure Be randomly assigned intraoperatively to one of three pleural space management strategies Complete postoperative assessments including chest imaging, pain evaluation, and recovery quality questionnaires Be followed for 30 days after surgery for safety outcomes

CT-guided Lung Biopsy Risk Optimization Method

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the extent to which injection of a small amount of fluid in the pleural cavity at the biopsy site may reduce the risk of pneumothoraces, in addition to patient positioning to allow biopsy in gravity-dependent areas of the lung.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Diagnostic Support Algorithms in Chest X-rays- LuAna Trial

This study aims to evaluate whether the use of AI as a physician support tool is associated with an increase in the detection rate of chest radiographic findings in adults with respiratory complaints, compared to diagnosis performed exclusively by doctors, without AI support. This is a cluster-randomized clinical trial, following the stepped wedge design, and adhering to the guidelines of the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT). In this study, the Diagnostic Support Solution for Chest X-rays - LungAnalysis (LuAna), developed by the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE) within the PROADI-SUS Banco de Imagens, was used. The clinical trial will be conducted in multiple centers with a diverse population from the public health system, to ensure that the algorithms are validated across a broad demographic profile. The expected benefits are significant, providing greater security for patients, increasing doctors' confidence in interpreting chest X-rays, promoting efficiency and cost savings for healthcare services, and offering promising prospects for other AI applications in imaging diagnostics.

Comparison of Chest Tube Wound Closure: Comparison Between Purse String Method and Plug Method.

This prospective, comparative clinical study evaluates two techniques of chest tube wound closure-purse-string suture and the simple suture/plug method-to determine differences in cosmetic outcomes, wound complications, and overall patient satisfaction following chest tube removal. The study aims to identify the closure technique that provides optimal wound healing with fewer postoperative complications.

Study of the Benefits of Virtual Reality Headsets for Reducing Anxiety in Patients Treated for Pleural Effusion or Pneumothorax Using Small-bore Chest Drainage Tubes

Pleural effusion and pneumothorax are common conditions encountered in pulmonology departments and may require chest drainage. However, the chest drainage procedure can cause anxiety in patients, leading to discomfort during the procedure. The use of virtual reality (VR) for anxiety reduction has shown promising results in various medical contexts.

Feasibility Study of Novice-Performed Lung Ultrasound for Pneumothorax Detection After Cardiac Surgery

What is the purpose of this study? This study is being done to find out if medical trainees (such as residents and fellows) can learn to use lung ultrasound to detect a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) after heart surgery. Who is participating in the study? Adults who have recently had heart surgery and are having their chest tubes removed in the intensive care unit may be able to join. What will happen during the study? After chest tubes are removed, a trained medical trainee will use a small ultrasound device to check the lungs at the bedside. The patient will also have a chest X-ray, which is the usual test. The results from the ultrasound will be compared to the chest X-ray and reviewed by expert doctors. What is the goal of the study? The goal is to see if it is possible to train medical trainees to use lung ultrasound safely and accurately in real hospital settings. The results will help plan a larger study in the future.

Lung Ultrasound Versus Chest Radiography for Detection of Pneumothorax

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center annually provides assistance to approximately 600 cardiac surgeries and 1500 trauma patients, many of whom require chest tubes to prevent blood and fluids from accumulating in the pleural cavities surrounding the heart. During the removal of chest tubes, there is a risk of air leaking into these cavities, leading to pneumothorax, a critical condition occurring in approximately 5-26% of cases, associated with increased complications and mortality. Currently, the diagnosis of pneumothorax is primarily based on chest X-rays (CXR), despite their limitations and low reliability. As an alternative method, lung ultrasound (LUS) offers several advantages: it is safer, less expensive, and less painful for patients compared to CXR. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the accuracy and interrater reliability of these two diagnostic approaches after chest tube removal. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of lung ultrasound performed by medical trainees in diagnosing pneumothorax in cardiac and trauma patients. By comparing LUS to CXR, the investigators seek to determine if LUS provides a more reliable and precise diagnosis. This study has the potential to enhance patient care by establishing a more effective and accessible method for diagnosing pneumothorax post-chest tube removal.

16F vs 24F Chest Drain After Minimally Invasive Lobectomy and/or Segmentectomy

The aim of the study is to evaluate postoperative pain in patients receiving a small-bore (16F) chest drain compared to those receiving the standard large-bore (24F) chest drain after minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy and/or segmentectomy.

Clinical Utility of Portable Dynamic Chest X Ray (DDR) in the ICU

Dynamic digital radiography (DDR) is a new advanced version of chest radiography that captures dynamic images at a rate of 15 frames per second. It is coupled with an analytical software that allows it to provide more advanced measures of lung motion, ventilation, and perfusion compared to traditional chest radiography. While implementation of DDR fixed machines are beginning elsewhere in the US, this trial involves the first applications of an FDA-approved portable DDR machine, for use at the bedside in the ICU. The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the feasibility and safety of portable DDR technology in the ICU, as well as to evaluate the improved clinical diagnostic value of the portable DDR system over current standards of care. Participants will receive one to three sets of DDR images, which will then be compared to their clinical gold standard exams (such as chest x-rays, CTs, or VQ scans) to assess and improve the precision and accuracy of measurements such as diaphragmatic motion, lung movement, and perfusion.

Intraoperative Paravertebral Block and Postoperative Complications

This study aims to evaluate the clinical association between intraoperative paravertebral block and the reduction of postoperative complications following thoracic surgery.

Feasibility and Accuracy of a Novel Pleural Drain Gas Analyzer in Detecting Air Leaks

The goal of this study is to assess the clinical feasibility of a novel, reusable, low cost gas analyzer that detects breath in chest drains in order to diagnose and heal air leaks. The investigators have developed prototype gas analyzers that attach to the outlet of any analog chest drain, and can be connected temporarily to the sampling port. They detect breath by measuring CO2, O2, and pressure, in order to supplement the information provided by the bubbles in the water seal.

Validation and Clinical Utility of the Lung Sliding Index (LSI) for Differentiating Pulmonary Diseases

This upcoming case-control study aims to confirm the Lung Sliding Index (LSI), a new ultrasound score that measures how well the pleura moves, in various lung diseases. The study will check how well the LSI can tell apart different lung diseases (like pneumothorax, interstitial lung disease, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema), how it relates to signs of disease severity, and how consistent the results are between different operators who have received the same training. Secondary objectives include assessing patient and operator satisfaction and feasibility using validated Likert scales.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Pleurodesis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended in a multimodal pain management to reduce pain intensity and to spare opioid use. However, there is a controversy in its use in pleurodesis surgery as it could block the process of pleurodesis in surgical pneumothorax. In addition, NSAIDs could increase the risk of pneumothorax recurrence. The investigators hypothesized that NSAIDs are safe during pleurodesis with a better pain management without increasing the risk of pneumothorax reccurence.

Evaluation of the Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Single-use Endobronchial Silicon Spigots for the Treatment of Refractory Pneumothorax

Study Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the disposable endobronchial silicon spigots for treating refractory pneumothorax and to preliminarily assess its efficacy, providing domestic experience for the development and clinical application of bronchial occlusion. Study Population: Patients intended to receive selective bronchial occlusion technology for the treatment of refractory pneumothorax. Sample Size: This study is a preliminary exploration of the application value of the disposable endobronchial silicon spigots occlusion technology in refractory pneumothorax. The sample size has not been strictly calculated, and it is expected to include 10 patients. Study Design: This study is an exploratory, single-group, single-center clinical study.