Improving breathing support for preterm infants with lung disease

2/2 The Diaphragmatic Initiated Ventilatory Assist (DIVA) Trial

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11001515

This study is looking at a new way to help preterm babies with breathing problems by using a special technology that works with their natural breaths, aiming to keep their lungs healthier and improve their breathing.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001515 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new method of providing breathing support to preterm infants suffering from chronic lung disease, specifically bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The approach utilizes a technology called Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) that synchronizes non-invasive ventilation with the infant's natural breathing efforts. By matching the electrical signals from the diaphragm, this method aims to reduce the risk of lung injury associated with traditional ventilation methods. The study will assess the effectiveness of this technique in improving respiratory outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are experiencing respiratory failure and are at risk for developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not have respiratory issues related to lung disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants, leading to better long-term respiratory health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that synchronized non-invasive ventilation can reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Chronic lung disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.