Noninvasive monitoring of breathing tube placement in newborns

Real-time noninvasive visualization of endotracheal tube placement and 3D lung monitoring in infants with electrical impedance tomography

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-11017695

This study is testing a new technology that helps doctors safely place breathing tubes in newborns by showing them exactly where the tube is and how well the baby’s lungs are working, making the process safer for these tiny patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-11017695 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the safety of intubation in newborns by developing a new technology called Simultaneous Multi-Source Electrical Impedance Tomography (SMS-EIT). This technology aims to provide real-time, noninvasive visualization of the placement of endotracheal tubes (ETT) and monitor lung ventilation. By using advanced algorithms and deep learning, the system will help clinicians quickly determine if the ETT is correctly positioned and if both lungs are being ventilated properly. This could significantly reduce the risks associated with incorrect intubation attempts in vulnerable infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns under 4 weeks old who require mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 weeks or do not require mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could greatly enhance the safety and effectiveness of mechanical ventilation in newborns, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using noninvasive imaging techniques have shown promise in other medical fields, suggesting potential success for this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Fort Collins, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.