Comparing weaning strategies during ECMO therapy for ARDS

Inflammation During ECMO Therapy and ECMO Weaning

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT05640635

This study is testing two different ways to help patients with severe lung problems on ECMO therapy breathe better by seeing if it's better to wean them off the ventilator first or the ECMO machine first.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg)
Trial IDNCT05640635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare two different weaning strategies for patients undergoing ECMO therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Participants will be randomized into one of two groups: one group will wean from the ventilator before ECMO, while the other will wean from ECMO before the ventilator. The study will assess which strategy results in less lung inflammation and better clinical outcomes. Key measurements will include IL-6 levels in blood samples, SOFA scores, lung injury scores, and other indicators of lung function and inflammation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous ECMO who are hemodynamically stable.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with chronic respiratory insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved weaning strategies that minimize lung inflammation and enhance recovery for ARDS patients on ECMO.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored ECMO and ventilation strategies, this specific comparison of weaning order is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) according to the Berlin Definition (PaO2/FiO2 \< 100) and treatment with veno-venous ECMO (vvECMO)
* Hemodynamic stability
* Lung compliance did not change/improved during the last 24 hours
* Tidal volume did not change/improved during the last 24 hours with a PEEP of 10 cmH20 or above
* Consent of the patient or their legal representative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years
* Artificial ventilation for more than 7 days prior
* Patient, legal representative or doctors decided against an unrestricted intensive care treatment
* Positive pregnancy test at time of screening
* Cardiac failure requiring veno-arterial ECMO therapy
* Chronic respiratory insufficiency requiring long-term oxygen treatment

Where this trial is running

Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg

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 SyndromeExtracorporal membrane oxygenationExtracorporal membrane oxygenation weaningVentilation therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.