Assessing lung recruitment in ARDS patients using electrical impedance tomography

RecruitmEnt Assessed by eleCtRical Impedance Tomography: Feasibility, Correlation With Clinical oUtcomes and pIloT Data on Personalised PEEP Selection.

Observational Unity Health Toronto · NCT04460859

This study is testing if a new method using electrical signals can help doctors see how well the lungs of patients with ARDS can be opened up for better breathing while they are on a ventilator.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment171 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto Academic / other
Locations4 sites (São Paulo and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04460859 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The RECRUIT study is a multinational observational study that aims to evaluate the feasibility of using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to measure lung recruitment potential in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) who are mechanically ventilated. This single-day study involves specific lung recruitment maneuvers to gather data on how well patients' lungs can be recruited for better oxygenation. By analyzing the responses to these maneuvers, the study seeks to develop personalized methods for optimizing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) settings in real-time. The ultimate goal is to minimize risks associated with inadequate mechanical ventilation in ARDS patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are intubated patients diagnosed with moderate to severe ARDS, characterized by a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 200 mmHg or less.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, have hemodynamic instability, or have contraindications to EIT monitoring will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved personalized ventilation strategies that enhance oxygenation and potentially increase survival rates in ARDS patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EIT in this context is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using similar techniques for assessing lung function and recruitment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Intubated moderate and severe ARDS according to the Berlin definition (PaO2/FiO2 ratio \<= 200 mmHg)
* Under continuous sedation with or without paralysis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years
* Bronchopleural fistula
* Pure COPD exacerbation
* Contraindication to EIT monitoring (e.g. burns, pacemaker, thoracic wounds limiting electrode belt placement)
* Hemodynamic instability (Systolic BP \< 75 mmHg or MAP \< 60 mmHg despite vasopressors and/or heart rate \< 55 bpm)
* Attending physician deems the transient application of high airway pressures to be unsafe

Where this trial is running

São Paulo and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeMechanical VentilationLung recruitmentARDSElectrical impedance tomography
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.