Can super-low breath volumes save COVID-19 patients on ventilators?
NCT ID NCT04349618
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether using very small breaths (ultraprotective ventilation) on a breathing machine, without a heart-lung bypass machine, could improve survival and reduce time on the ventilator for COVID-19 patients with severe lung injury. About 220 adults with confirmed COVID-19 and moderate-to-severe ARDS were randomly assigned to either standard low-volume ventilation or ultra-low-volume ventilation. The goal was to see if the gentler approach lowers death rates and speeds recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ultraprotective ventilation (very low tidal volume mechanical ventilation)
What this could lead to
If successful, this breathing strategy could reduce lung damage and improve survival in severely ill COVID-19 patients on ventilators.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial with 220 patients, but ultra-low tidal volume can cause dangerous acidosis. The benefit over standard care remains uncertain.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation CHU Gabriel Montpied
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
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Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation Hôpital Edouard Herriot Hospices Civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69003, France
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Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation Hôpital Michallon - CHU Grenoble Alpes
La Tronche, 38700, France
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Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation Hôpital Nord - CHU Saint-Etienne
Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, 42055, France
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Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation Hôpital de la Croix Rousse Hospices Civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69004, France
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Service de Réanimation Centre hospitalier Annecy Genevois
Pringy, 74374, France
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Service de Réanimation Chirurgicale Hôpital Edouard Herriot Hospices Civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69003, France
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Service de Réanimation Chirurgicale Hôpital de la Croix Rousse Hospices Civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69004, France
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Service de Réanimation Clinique de la Sauvegarde
Lyon, 69009, France
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Service de Réanimation Polyvalente Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud Hospices Civils de Lyon
Pierre-Bénite, 69310, France
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Service de réanimation Polyvalente Centre Hospitalier Saint Joseph-Saint Luc
Lyon, 69007, France