Comparing two methods of breathing support after heart surgery in infants

High Flow Nasal Cannula and Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Following Extubation in Infants After Cardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Emory University · NCT05869825

This study is testing which breathing support method, High Flow Nasal Cannula or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation, works better for infants with heart defects after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 1 Year
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05869825 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the most effective method of respiratory support following extubation in infants with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) after cardiac surgery. It will compare High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) and Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) to assess their impact on extubation failure rates and overall health outcomes. The study will involve 200 infants aged 0 to 1 year in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, monitoring their recovery and respiratory support needs. By identifying the best approach, the study seeks to improve care for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants aged 0 to 1 year who are admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit following cardiac surgery for Congenital Heart Disease.

Not a fit: Patients who remain intubated for 4 weeks or longer, have a tracheostomy, or have significant extracardiac anomalies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved respiratory support strategies, reducing extubation failure rates and enhancing recovery for infants after cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data specifically comparing HFNC and NIPPV in this population, studies have shown varying success with different respiratory support methods in similar contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients admitted to the CICU following cardiac surgery for CHD who are \</= 1 year of age and/or weight \</= 10 kg

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who remain intubated for \>/= 4 weeks
* Patients who have a tracheostomy prior to their cardiac surgery
* Patient enrolled in a competing research study
* Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support preoperatively
* Patients with birth weight \< 2 Kg.
* Gestational age \< 35 weeks at birth.
* Patients with extracardiac anomalies more than minor severity.

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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 Congenital Heart DiseaseCardiac surgery for CHDCardiac Intensive Care Unit
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.