Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Asymmetrical versus symmetrical high-flow nasal cannula effects on breathing effort

Official title: The Effect of Asymmetrical vs. Symmetrical High Flow Nasal Cannula on the Work of Breathing: A Randomised Cross-over Study

Run by Larissa University Hospital · NCT07066566 · Data updated 2026-11-12

It will test whether an asymmetrical high-flow nasal cannula helps reduce breathing effort compared with a conventional symmetrical cannula in adults who have recovered from a respiratory illness.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorLarissa University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Larissa)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 9, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2025
Study endsSeptember 1, 2025
Registry record updatedJuly 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT07066566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults (≥18 years) who are clinically stable after a respiratory illness, maintain SpO2 >95% on room air, and have no contraindication to esophageal pressure monitoring.

Probably not a fit

People with active respiratory failure or hypoxemia (SpO2 <94% on room air), pregnancy, neuromuscular disease, or contraindications to esophageal pressure monitoring are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized single-center crossover physiologic study in clinically stable adults recovered from respiratory disease, with each participant receiving both an asymmetrical and a conventional symmetrical nasal high-flow interface at 50 L/min and FiO2 0.21 for 15 minutes in random order. Respiratory mechanics will be measured using esophageal pressure monitoring and minute ventilation, while lung volume changes are tracked by a chest bioelectrical impedance device and flow by a heated pneumotachometer. Vital signs and peripheral oxygen saturation will be continuously recorded during each intervention. The study compares the immediate impact of the two interfaces on work of breathing while participants breathe comfortably seated on room air.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the asymmetrical nasal cannula could reduce patients' breathing effort and improve comfort during high-flow nasal therapy.

How similar studies have gone: Early physiologic studies of asymmetrical high-flow interfaces have suggested reductions in work of breathing compared with conventional interfaces, but clinical outcome data remain limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ≥18 years old
2. absence of symptoms and signs of respiratory failure (SpO2\>95% at FiΟ2 0.21)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. pregnancy
2. SpO2\<94% at FiΟ2 0.21
3. neuromuscular disease
4. contraindications to esophageal pressure monitoring (e.g., uncontrolled coagulopathy, esophageal disease, nasal trauma, allergy to local lidocaine)

Where it's running

  • University Hospital of Larissa, Department of Pulmonary Medicine
    Larissa, Greece
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.