Diaphragm ultrasound to help wean from mechanical ventilation
Official title: The Role of Diaphragmatic Ultrasonography in Difficult Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre · NCT07751237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether bedside ultrasound of the diaphragm can help decide if patients who fail their first spontaneous breathing trial can be weaned from invasive ventilation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07751237 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults on invasive mechanical ventilation with difficult weaning (failed first spontaneous breathing trial) and stable enough for ultrasound assessment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not candidates for ultrasound assessment or who do not have diaphragmatic dysfunction relevant to weaning may gain no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial examines the use of diaphragmatic ultrasonography in adults on invasive mechanical ventilation who experience difficult weaning. It focuses on assessing diaphragmatic and related muscle function to inform weaning decisions and ventilatory drive. The intervention is a diaphragmatic ultrasound performed during the weaning process, with the aim of improving decision-making around readiness for spontaneous breathing. The study uses clinical and ultrasound findings to characterize patient readiness and may influence weaning timelines. Safety and feasibility of adding ultrasound to standard care are central to the investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, diaphragmatic ultrasound could improve weaning success rates and reduce time on ventilation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches using ultrasound to assess diaphragmatic function have shown promise, but broader clinical impact in weaning remains under investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation who are classified as having difficult weaning, defined as failure of the first spontaneous breathing trial. * Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score between -2 and +1. * Clinical stability, defined as: * No vasopressor support or only low-dose, stable vasopressor therapy. * Absence of significant cardiac arrhythmias or ongoing myocardial ischemia. * Adequate oxygenation (SpO₂ \>90% or PaO₂ \>60 mmHg). * Respiratory rate \<35 breaths/min. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to obtain informed consent. * Pre-existing neuromuscular disease. * Pregnancy. * Inability to perform the ultrasound examination because of chest drains, surgical wounds, or skin lesions at the assessment sites.
Where it's running
-
Hospital de Clínica de Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cassiano Teixeira, Doctor — Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - RS, Brasil
- Study coordinator: Cassiano Teixeira, Doctor
- Email: cassiano.rush@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 51 999687962
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.