Simple ultrasound may predict ventilator weaning failure in ICU patients
NCT ID NCT07343882
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a special ultrasound technique, called VExUS, can predict which ICU patients will have trouble breathing on their own after being on a ventilator. Researchers will scan the veins of 350 patients just before a breathing trial. The goal is to see if signs of fluid congestion can forecast failure, helping doctors intervene earlier. The study is observational and offers no direct benefit to participants, but could improve care for future patients.
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 give doctors a simple, non-invasive tool to predict which patients will struggle to come off a ventilator, potentially reducing ICU stays and complications.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. It only tests if the ultrasound method can predict failure—it does not test any new therapy. Results may not change practice immediately.
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.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 350 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 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.
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged \> 18 years. * Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). * Requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. * Meeting the center's standard criteria to begin weaning and undergo an SBT. Exclusion Criteria: * Inadequate ultrasound window for assessment. * Presence of "do not reintubate" orders. * Patients with a tracheostomy. * Presence of atrial fibrillation. * Diagnosed liver cirrhosis (portal hypertension). * Absence of qualified personnel to perform the ultrasound at the time of the SBT. * Denial of informed consent.
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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
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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
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