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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
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
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a smart oxygen device shorten hospital stays for pneumonia?
- Can a Lung-Opening maneuver change a key injury marker in ARDS?