CLAMP
Characterising Leak of Air in Medical Pneumothorax
We are delighted to confirm that the CLAMP (Characterising Leak of Air in Medical Pneumothorax) project phase one, supported by INSPIRE, is now open. This trainee-led retrospective study aims to collect data from across the UK regarding the removal of chest drains and – in particular – whether chest drain clamping trials impact upon the need for repeat pleural procedures or length of stay. We are therefore seeking enthusiastic collaborators!This study has been approved as a service evaluation and aims to collect data from ~the last two years of patients admitted with pneumothorax treated with chest drain insertion. Whilst each centre will vary, this is likely to comprise around 20 patients so – based on our experience! – the data required should not take long to collect.
Developed by:
Dr Niki Veale and Dr Anthony Martinelli
Current status
OPEN: sign up to contribute HERE
Summary
CLAMP is a trainee-led multicentre retrospective service evaluation. We aim to assess chest drain removal practices in the UK, particularly whether “clamping trials” are successful in reducing the need for repeat pleural procedures or length of stay.
What are the aims of the study?
CLAMP will report:
1) Frequency of chest drain clamping trials for PTX
2) Timepoints between admission, chest drain insertion, clamping trial and discharge
3) Decision making and outcomes when digital suction devices are used
4) Incidence of recurrent air leak and need for repeat pleural procedures (up to d30)Our long-term aim would be to assess whether sufficient signal is present to permit a future RCT (clamping vs non-clamping pathways).
What do I have to do?
1) Gain local approval to join our multicentre study (we can help)
2) Generate list of patients admitted from May 2021-October 2023 with primary or secondary spontaneous PTX treated with chest drain insertion (likely ~20 patients)
3) Collect data and enter into our database, ideally before 31/03/2024Authorship
We aim to include participants who contribute to data acquisition and are happy to review the prepared manuscript as co-authors in our study, when published.
How do I join?
Please sign up at:
https://bit.ly/CLAMPsignup
We would be delighted if you wanted to share this with any interested colleagues or in local WhatsApp group!
If you have any questions, you can also contact us directly at niki.veale@nhs.net and anthony.martinelli@nhs.net.