Intrapleural Fibrinolysis is a treatment used to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, within the pleural space. This therapy helps to clear the infected fluid and pus from the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall, in patients with pleural empyema.

DNase is an enzyme therapy that helps to break down DNA in the pus, making it less viscous and easier to drain. This treatment is used in combination with intrapleural fibrinolysis to enhance the clearance of infected material from the pleural space in patients with pleural empyema.

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat pleural empyema. During VATS, a surgeon uses a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions in the chest to remove infected tissue and fluid from the pleural space. This procedure is compared to intrapleural fibrinolysis and DNase therapy in the trial to determine which approach is more effective for treating pleural empyema.

Pleural empyema – Pleural empyema is a condition where pus accumulates in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It often develops as a complication of pneumonia, lung abscess, or chest surgery. The disease progresses through stages, starting with an initial exudative phase where fluid collects, followed by a fibrinopurulent phase where pus forms, and finally an organizing phase where the pleura may thicken and scar. Symptoms can include chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. As the condition advances, the pus can become more organized, making it harder to drain. If untreated, it can lead to restricted lung function due to the thickening of the pleural membranes.