NCT07551791 Suction vs Underwater Seal for HemoPneumoThoraX Trial
| NCT ID | NCT07551791 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center |
| Condition | Hemothorax; Traumatic |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 150 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-14 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-10 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 150 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-14 with a primary completion date of 2026-10.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Traumatic pneumothorax and hemothorax are common consequences of chest injury, often requiring prompt tube thoracostomy to re-expand the lung and drain accumulated blood or air. Current practice varies widely regarding whether chest tubes should initially be placed to suction or to water seal, and prior studies have reported mixed findings. While suction may theoretically improve drainage and lung expansion, some studies suggest it may prolong air leaks and chest tube duration. Conversely, initial water seal has been associated with shorter tube duration without an increase in complications. The predecessor to this trial, the SEAL IT Trial, demonstrated that water seal reduced chest tube duration in patients with pneumothorax without an increase in complication, but excluded those with significant hemothorax. This single-center, randomized controlled trial (SUS-HPTX) will expand upon those findings by evaluating the effect of initial chest tube management strategy, suction versus water seal, in trauma patients with hemopneumothorax or hemothorax. Patients will be assigned to one of the two groups based on calendar month of enrollment, with clinicians able to adjust management as needed. The primary outcome is chest tube duration. Secondary outcomes include chest tube-related complications (e.g., empyema, pneumonia, re-accumulation of pneumothorax or hemothorax, need for additional procedures), hospital length of stay, readmissions, and mortality. Because both suction and water seal are accepted standards of care, the study involves minimal incremental risk. Findings will expand prior evidence and inform best practices for chest tube management in trauma
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Admitted to trauma service * Patient has hemothorax or hemopneumothorax requiring chest tube Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years old, pregnant, prisoner, chest tube placed prior to CT scan
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07551791 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Hemothorax; Traumatic. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07551791 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07551791 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at kelsey.evans@vumc.org for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07551791 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Nashville, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07551791 clinical trial?
NCT07551791 is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The trial plans to enroll 150 participants.