New ultrasound method could replace invasive lung biopsy for fluid diagnosis
NCT ID NCT07419620
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether starting with a less invasive ultrasound-guided biopsy can match the accuracy of immediate thoracoscopy (a camera-guided biopsy) for diagnosing unexplained fluid around the lungs. 420 adults with this condition will be randomly assigned to either the step-up approach or immediate thoracoscopy. The goal is to see if the step-up method is just as good at finding the cause, while being safer and cheaper.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ultrasound elastography-guided pleural biopsy and semi-rigid medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a less invasive, safer, and more cost-effective way to diagnose pleural effusion, potentially reducing the need for thoracoscopy.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with no results yet. The step-up approach may not be as accurate as immediate thoracoscopy, and some patients may still need the more invasive procedure.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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China-Japan Friendship Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100029, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.