Ultrasound may offer new way to measure breathing drive in ventilator patients

This study explores whether ultrasound images of the diaphragm can reliably estimate a key measure of breathing drive (P0.1) in ICU patients. The standard test works well for intubated patients but fails with non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen. Researchers will compare ultrasound readings with the standard test in 40 intubated adults during a spontaneous breathing trial. If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive way to monitor breathing effort in patients who cannot use the standard method.