Finding ways to prevent lung injury caused by ventilators in patients with severe respiratory issues.
Official title: Predicting and Preventing Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11003305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make breathing machines safer for people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by creating a system that helps doctors adjust the machines to better fit each patient's needs, which could lead to better recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $522,082 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151630-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those not requiring mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious condition that leads to rapid respiratory failure. It aims to improve mechanical ventilation strategies to prevent additional lung injury caused by the ventilators themselves. By developing a real-time feedback system that assesses the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), the study seeks to tailor ventilation protocols to individual patient needs, potentially improving outcomes for those affected by ARDS. The research involves both computational modeling and clinical evaluations to refine these ventilation strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of lung injury in ARDS patients, improving survival rates and recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving ventilation strategies for ARDS, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Bradford J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Smith, Bradford J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Protecting the lung lining during ventilator-related injury
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-
Understanding how to protect lung tissue during mechanical ventilation in patients with severe respiratory distress
This study is looking at how using a ventilator can sometimes hurt the lungs of people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and it aims to find the best ways to help their lungs heal while still providing the support they need.
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Height measurement methods to guide ventilator settings in ARDS
We’re testing whether more precise height measurements change how researchers set lung-protective tidal volumes in adults with ARDS who are on a ventilator.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.