Ultrasound of the diaphragm could help doctors set ventilators more precisely
NCT ID NCT07697703
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a new way to measure diaphragm activity using ultrasound in patients on a breathing machine (ventilator). The goal is to see if this measurement can help doctors identify when the lungs are not fully emptying and adjust ventilator pressure accordingly. The study involves 100 adults on pressure support ventilation who are at risk of breathing difficulties. Researchers will compare the ultrasound results with standard measurements to see if this non-invasive method works well.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Short-term PEEP step trial and EDRC ultrasound assessment
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could give doctors a non-invasive way to fine-tune ventilator settings for individual patients, potentially improving breathing support and reducing complications.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early physiological study with 100 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The new index needs validation before it can be used in routine care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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
The study population will consist of adult patients ($\\ge$ 18 years) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) mode. Participants will be recruited from the ICU at \[Insert Name of Hospital/Institution\]. The population is characterized by patients who are clinically assessed as having a risk of dynamic intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi,dyn) or are undergoing a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) as part of the weaning process. All enrolled patients will have an indwelling esophageal balloon catheter placed for the measurement of esophageal pressure (Pes), which serves as the reference standard for respiratory mechanics. Patients will be screened for eligibility based on hemodynamic stability and the ability to tolerate the study procedures. Specific exclusion criteria include pregnancy, severe esophageal pathology, severe hypoxemia, and conditions precluding diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging (e.g., chest wall tra
- 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: * Age ≥ 18 years. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) mode. Clinically assessed as having a risk of dynamic intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi,dyn) or experiencing difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation. Presence of an indwelling esophageal balloon catheter (for reference standard measurements). Provision of written informed consent from the patient or legally authorized representative. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or lactation. Known esophageal diseases (e.g., esophageal varices, strictures, recent esophageal surgery) or contraindications to esophageal catheter placement. Severe hemodynamic instability (e.g., requiring high-dose vasoactive support, uncontrolled arrhythmias). Severe hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 \< 100 mmHg) or severe hypercapnia with hemodynamic compromise at baseline. Conditions precluding ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm (e.g., extensive chest wall trauma, large pleural effusion, severe subcutaneous emphysema). Active spontaneous breathing with severe patient-ventilator asynchrony that cannot be stabilized during the trial. Anticipated extubation or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment within the next 24 hours. Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the last 30 days.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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