New device aims to prevent Ventilator-Induced muscle weakness

NCT ID NCT07363902

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new device called Heecap that uses gentle electrical stimulation to keep the breathing muscles active in ICU patients on mechanical ventilators. Many patients on ventilators develop weak breathing muscles, which can make it hard to breathe on their own later. The study will include 20 adults in the ICU to see if the device is safe and can correctly time the stimulation with the patient's own breathing.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Heecap device (transcutaneous electrical stimulation of respiratory muscles)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could help ICU patients on ventilators keep their breathing muscles strong, potentially reducing time on the ventilator and speeding recovery.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small safety study with only 20 participants. The device may not work as hoped, and there is a risk of discomfort or adverse events from electrical stimulation.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli

    RECRUITING

    Sabadell, Barcelona, 08208, Spain

  • Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge

    RECRUITING

    L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08907, Spain

  • Hospital Universitari de Vall d'Hebrón

    RECRUITING

    Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain