Tiny study tests smarter ventilator for babies born with diaphragm defect

NCT ID NCT03250793

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study looked at 8 newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (a hole in the diaphragm) after surgery. Researchers compared two types of breathing machines: standard ventilation and a newer method called NAVA, which senses the baby's own breathing signals to provide synchronized support. The goal was to measure how hard the babies had to work to breathe with each machine, using a small pressure sensor in the esophagus. This early study aims to understand the physiology before testing if NAVA leads to better outcomes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) ventilation and conventional pressure-controlled ventilation

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could provide physiological evidence to support using NAVA ventilation to improve breathing mechanics in newborns with CDH, potentially reducing ventilation duration and complications.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 8 participants, so results may not apply to all newborns. It measures short-term breathing effort, not long-term outcomes like survival or hospital stay.

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.

congenital diaphragmatic hernia Hernia, Diaphragmatic Respiratory Aspiration

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Service de Réanimation Néonatale- Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant- Hospices Civils de Lyon

    Bron, 69500, France