Calibration of esophageal balloon catheter for patients on mechanical ventilation

Calibration of Esophageal Balloon Catheter in Spontaneous and Mandatory Mechanical Ventilation (PESCA)

Observational Leiden University Medical Center · NCT06584604

This study is testing how to better calibrate a special balloon used in the esophagus to measure pressure in patients on mechanical ventilation, to see if it helps improve their care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leiden, South Holland)
Trial IDNCT06584604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on calibrating the esophageal balloon catheter to accurately measure esophageal pressure in patients undergoing spontaneous mechanical ventilation. The calibration process is crucial for determining transpulmonary pressure, which influences ventilator settings and patient care. The study aims to assess how the calibration process differs between mandatory and support ventilation modes, as the dynamics of thoracic forces vary significantly. By ensuring accurate pressure readings, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes in critical care settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include mechanically ventilated adults aged 18 and older who are sedated and require support in spontaneous ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions that prevent the placement of a Pes catheter or those who are not sedated may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of ventilator settings, potentially reducing lung damage and improving recovery times for critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have validated the calibration of Pes catheters in passive ventilation but this approach in spontaneous ventilation is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older.
* Mechanically ventilated in spontaneous mode.
* Sedated (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) between -3 and -5).
* Pes catheter in situ according to the protocol used in the LUMC (Insertion of a Pes catheter is mandatory if it is suspected that te patient will be ventilated for more than 24 hrs.).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical condition that excludes the placement of a Pes catheter.
* Allergic reaction against rocuronium in the past.
* Pregnant.
* RASS \> -3

Where this trial is running

Leiden, South Holland

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 Intensive Care UnitMechanical VentilationCritical IllnessEsophageal PressureEsophageal Balloon CatheterTranspulmonary PressureMandatory VentilationSupport Ventilation
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.