New study aims to uncover hidden lung danger in ventilator patients

This study looks at how often the airways close in critically ill adults who need a breathing machine (ventilator) in the ICU. About 500 patients across 39 ICUs will have a simple bedside test to check for airway closure. The goal is to learn more about this common but under-recognized issue, which can affect how doctors set the ventilator and may lead to lung injury. No changes to patient care will be made; this is purely an observation study.