RAILS ver 1.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Short title: Right ventricular Afterload Indices during Lung Resection (RAILS). Full title: Characterising pressure-derived right ventricular afterload indices during lung resection surgery – a feasibility study.
IRAS ID
369065
Contact name
Gareth Lipton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
National Waiting Times Centre Board
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Lung cancer surgery, typically performed via a keyhole approach, offers the best chance of cure. However, many patients experience disabling breathlessness and reduced exercise capacity after surgery. This may be caused by long-term weakening of the heart's right-sided chamber, which pumps against increased pressure during surgery.
Our research team aims to understand this weakening and develop treatments to prevent it. We believe existing, safe, and readily available drugs could improve recovery by reducing the pressure against which the heart pumps during surgery.
Before designing drug trials, we are conducting a preliminary study with 15 keyhole lung surgery patients to gather essential data and demonstrate feasibility. While participants will receive standard hospital care, they will undergo additional monitoring to track heart/lung changes.
Blood Tests: To check for markers of heart injury.
Heart Monitoring: A temporary right heart catheter, inserted via the neck on the morning of surgery, will continuously measure heart and lung vessel pressure. It will be removed the following day.
Heart Scans: MRI scans before and after surgery to assess blood flow and heart injury.
Quality of recovery: simple questionnaires before and after surgery.
This study (RAILS) is a vital step toward understanding the causes of postoperative breathlessness and improving the quality of life for lung cancer survivors.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0125
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion