View clinical trials related to Thoracic Diseases.
Filter by:The need of fiberoptic bronchoscopy for placing an endobronchial blocker. Endobronchial blockers (EBB) have been presented effective and safe alternative for lung separation in vedio-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) operations. In this study, the investigators will randomize the patients receiving VATS operation with EBB into two groups: one group will receive the conventional bronchoscopic guided EBBs placement, the other group receive two step procedure without confirmation by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
As part of the long-term goal of successfully implementing tissue regeneration strategies in an individualized manner for patients with thoracic diseases including, but not limited to: cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, the investigators will assess the feasibility of collecting skin biopsies from patients undergoing surgery for thoracic disease, culturing skin fibroblasts from the biopsy, and reprogramming these skin fibroblasts into induced pluripotent cells.
Rationale: Thoracic complaints, possibly due to a cardiac ischemic cause are a diagnostic challenge in general practice. When an underlying ischemic cardiac condition (AMI (acute myocardial infarction), UAP (unstable angina pectoris)) is considered, referral from general practitioner (GP) to a cardiologist has to take place. However, cardiac analysis in 80% of referred patients is negative. To optimize referral decisions of GPs, new and fast diagnostics are needed. Objective: To assess the incremental diagnostic value for AMI of a novel rapid PoC H-FABP-test in addition to history taking and physical examination in patients presenting in daily general practice with possible AMI. In addition the cost-effectiveness of the test will be evaluated. Study design: Delayed type cross-sectional diagnostic study. Study population: Patients presenting to the GP with any new-onset chest complaint, at time of presentation not lasting for more than 24 hours, that is considered to be of possible cardiac origin by the GP. Intervention: Point of care Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein test (PoC H-FABP-test), added to usual care. PoC H-FABP-testing, by qualitatively measuring H-FABP in one single drop of blood obtained by finger prick, is added to normal procedures of consultation and referral decision by the GP. Main study parameters / endpoints: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of point of care H-FABP-testing for AMI, alone as well as part of a clinical diagnostic algorithm, in patients with thoracic complaints in general practice. All outcome measures, based on using an algorithm and/or point of care H-FABP-testing, will be compared to regular diagnostic assessment by the GP without using an algorithm and/or point of care H-FABP-testing. Therefore, incremental value of H-FABP-testing and/or a diagnostic algorithm is measured. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Individual participants will experience low risk, since study participation comprehends regular care except for an extra finger prick and possibly collection of one extra venous blood sample. For this low amount of disadvantage, the participant will experience no advantage either. However, results of the study will possibly be useful for similar patients in future.
Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) is novel technology which records breath sounds via pizo-electric sensors and produces a digital image using a computer algorithm. It is radiation free and is portable to the patient's bedside. Data exists to show that the recordings from normal individuals differs from those who have pulmonary pathology. There is also evidence that recordings have high levels of inter and intra-observer reliability. However, data on specific VRI patterns for specific pathology is still needed before this can be used as a diagnostic tool. We aim to perform an open label feasibility trial on inpatient and outpatient pulmonary patients. Bedside clinical examination and chest auscultation will be used as the reference gold standard. Other diagnostic modalities that have been used as part of the patient's usual standard of care will also be used for comparison. Specifically breath sound progression, the maximal sound energy shape/distribution and the presence of artifactual sounds will be used to search for patterns that may be used for diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity will be calculated for each disease (eg. asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, effusion, pneumothorax, etc)