Therapeutic Thoracentesis for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Large Pleural Effusion (NCT00629538) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Therapeutic Thoracentesis for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Large Pleural Effusion
Taiwan20 participantsStarted 2007-03
Plain-language summary
Transudative pleural effusions are a common manifestation of patients with congestive heart failure. Severe dyspnea and respiratory failure may develop in those with large effusions, which in general show poor response to medical treatment. Therapeutic thoracenteses (TT) may be indicated in these patients and can produce marked relief of symptoms. However, the underlying effect of TT on gas exchange and respiratory mechanics in theses patients remains unclear. The researchers' hypothesis is that,TT may improve arterial oxygenation and respiratory mechanics in patients with congestive heart failure complicated by large pleural effusions.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* transudative pleural effusion established by the criteria of Light
* the effusion occupying at least half of one hemithorax shown on chest radiography
* symptoms of respiratory distress
* diagnosis of congestive heart failure
Exclusion Criteria:
* severe uncontrolled coagulopathy
* unstable hemodynamics
* diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,asthma and/or any parenchymal lung disease, such as pneumonia, fibrosis or malignancy.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Vital signs, minute volume, expiratory tidal volume, dynamic compliance, arterial oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases, the volume of pleural fluid removed, and the changes in pleural liquid pressure and pleural space elastance
Timeframe: 15 minutes after therapeutic thoracentesis