Electrical stimulation to improve diaphragm function in ICU patients

Electrical Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction: a Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Peking University Third Hospital · NCT06436950

This study is testing if a new electrical treatment can help improve diaphragm function in ICU patients who have been on a ventilator for a while.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking University Third Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06436950 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation (TEPNS) in patients suffering from ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). Patients aged 18 and older, who have been on a ventilator for at least 48 hours and have a diaphragm thickening fraction of less than 25%, will be randomly assigned to either receive TEPNS twice daily for five days or continue with usual care. The study aims to collect various clinical data to evaluate the impact of TEPNS on diaphragm function and overall patient outcomes in the intensive care unit setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been on mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours and have a diaphragm thickening fraction of less than 25%.

Not a fit: Patients with a pacemaker, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve diaphragm function and recovery in patients with VIDD, potentially reducing their length of stay in the ICU.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electrical stimulation for diaphragm function is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged ≥ 18 years
* ventilated for at least 48 h with an expected stay of more than 7 days in the ICU
* diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF)\< 25%

Exclusion Criteria:

* having a pacemaker
* cutaneous lesion that could interfere with probes
* previous diaphragmatic nerve paralysis
* body mass index \> 35 kg/m2
* severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1/FVC\<30%)
* pregnancy or lactation
* decision to withhold life-sustaining treatment

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 DiaphragmsPhrenic NervesVentilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunctiontranscutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation
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.