Can a simple breathing machine stop lungs from collapsing after surgery?

NCT ID NCT07284056

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether the MetaNeb system, a device that delivers breathing treatments, can prevent or treat lung collapse (atelectasis) in 178 adults recovering from esophageal cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MetaNeb therapy or standard care (coughing exercises and early movement). The main goal is to see if MetaNeb improves lung ultrasound scores on the first two days after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: MetaNeb System (a device that delivers continuous positive expiratory pressure and chest physiotherapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give doctors a simple, non-drug way to prevent lung collapse after major chest surgery, helping patients recover faster.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with no prior results. The device may not improve lung function more than standard care, and there is a small risk of side effects like pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ATELECTASES, POSTOPERATIVE PULMONARY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

esophageal cancer Pulmonary Atelectasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ATELECTASES, POSTOPERATIVE PULMONARY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200030, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.