Multicenter randomized study on the comparison between electronic and traditional chest drainage systems.

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Devices
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Post-pulmonary resection recovery is often prolonged by air leaks and chest tube duration.
• Traditional drainage systems lack objective air leak measurement, leading to subjective interpretation and delayed tube removal.
• Digital systems offer continuous monitoring, potentially improving accuracy and optimizing chest tube management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of an electronic chest drainage system versus a traditional one in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.
• To evaluate the impact of digital systems on chest drainage duration and length of hospital stay.
• To assess the utility of digital systems in reducing interobserver variability and identifying predictors of prolonged air leaks.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, multicenter trial involving 382 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary lobectomy.
• Comparison between an electronic system (Drentech™ Palm Evo) and a traditional system (Drentech™ Compact).
• Evaluation of chest drainage duration, hospital stay, interobserver variability, and ability to differentiate air leaks from pleural space effects.

Main Results:

• Data on chest drainage duration and length of hospital stay will be collected and compared between groups.
• Interobserver variability in assessing air leaks will be evaluated.
• The digital system's ability to distinguish active air leaks from pleural space effects and identify predictors of prolonged air leaks will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• Few studies have evaluated the clinical impact of digital drainage systems.
• This trial aims to provide new insights into the feasibility and usefulness of digital chest drainages.
• The study seeks to offer tools for identifying patients at higher risk of prolonged air leaks, optimizing postoperative care.