Evaluating complications related to extubation procedures

EXtubation Related Complications - an International Observational Study To Understand the Impact and BEst Practices in the Operating Room and Intensive Care Unit - the EXTUBE Study

University Health Network, Toronto · NCT06442930

This study is trying to find out how often problems happen after removing breathing tubes in patients who have had surgery or are critically ill, to help make the process safer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto (other)
Locations28 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 27 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06442930 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The EXTUBE study is an international, multicenter, prospective cohort investigation focused on understanding the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with complications arising from extubation after general anesthesia or critical illness. It aims to gather systematic data on the frequency and circumstances of severe complications during extubation, which can lead to serious adverse events such as cardiac arrest or brain damage. By analyzing clinical practices and procedural factors, the study seeks to improve the safety and effectiveness of extubation procedures in various settings, including operating rooms and intensive care units.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18 and older who are undergoing extubation after general anesthesia or in an ICU setting.

Not a fit: Patients who are having extubation performed as part of withdrawal of life support measures or for tracheostomy decannulation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance patient safety during extubation by identifying risk factors and improving clinical practices.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been smaller studies on extubation complications, this is one of the first large-scale investigations aimed at systematically analyzing these issues, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥18 years old)
* Undergoing extubation of an endotracheal tube (including index extubation and re-extubations) after general anesthesia in the OR, out of OR anesthesia location or ICU
* Undergoing extubation during the specified enrollment window

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be excluded if the extubation is performed in the context of withdrawal of life support measures,
* Patients will be excluded if the extubation is performed for tracheostomy decannulation

For each patient who is not included, reasons for exclusion will be reported.

Where this trial is running

Tucson, Arizona and 27 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Extubation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.