Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy Guided Medical Thoracoscopy for the Diagnosis of Pleural Disease

Launched by CHINA-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL · Dec 16, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new method to help doctors diagnose pleural diseases, specifically a condition called fibrinous pleurisy, which is when there’s fluid in the space around the lungs but the cause is unknown. The study involves patients who need a special procedure called a thoracoscopic pleural biopsy to find out why they have this fluid buildup. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will have their biopsy guided by a new imaging technique called confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE), which allows doctors to see details of the pleura (the lining around the lungs) in real-time, while the other group will have the standard visual biopsy method.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be adults aged 65 and older who have unexplained fluid in one lung and have already had other tests that didn’t provide clear answers. Patients with certain health issues, like severe bleeding disorders or pregnancy, will not be included. Those who join the study will have their procedure done in a safe environment, and the trial will monitor any complications afterward to ensure everyone's safety. This research aims to see if the new imaging technique can make the biopsy process easier and more effective.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with unilateral pleural effusion of unclear aetiology after less invasive means of diagnosis;
• • Patients who intend to undergo a thoracoscopic pleural biopsy to determine the cause of pleural effusion;
• • Sign informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • There is an uncorrectable coagulation disorder or anticoagulation therapy that cannot be stopped before surgery;
• • Hemodynamic instability;
• • Refractory hypoxemia;
• • Patients with pregnant and lactating patients
• • Any illness or condition that interferes with the completion of the initial or subsequent assessment.