Ultrasound could reveal hidden diaphragm weakness in ventilator patients
NCT ID NCT03129217
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study investigates whether a specific ultrasound measurement—called maximal diaphragm thickening fraction—can accurately assess diaphragm function in patients who are on mechanical ventilation. Researchers will compare this ultrasound technique to a standard method (phrenic nerve stimulation) in adults who are ready to try breathing on their own. If validated, this non-invasive approach could help doctors better predict when patients can safely be taken off the ventilator.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a simple, non-invasive way to assess diaphragm strength in ventilated patients, helping doctors decide when to remove breathing support.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study focused on validating a measurement technique. It may not translate into better patient outcomes or apply to all ventilator patients.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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29 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2015
- Finished
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Apr 2020
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation who meet readiness-to-wean criteria.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with acute respiratory failure receiving invasive mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy * Patients who meet readiness-to-wean criteria (triggering the ventilator; FiO2 ≤ 50%; PEEP ≤ 8 cm H20; hemodynamic stability) Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to phrenic nerve stimulation (chest tube; cardiac pacemaker or implanted defibrillator; cervical implants; use of neuromuscular blocking agents within the 24 hours preceding the first diaphragm assessment (with the exception of succinylcholine used during rapid-sequence induction of anaesthesia for intubation); cervical spine injury; known pregnancy) * Patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of an obstructive lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis)
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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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University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N2, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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