Evaluating lung therapies for patients after heart surgery

Hyperinflation Respiratory Therapies in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Randomized, Observer-Blinded, Prospective Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT04164173

This study tests three different breathing therapies to see which one helps patients recover their lung function best after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment324 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04164173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of three different hyperinflation respiratory therapies—Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB), Intermittent positive end expiratory pressure (EzPAP), and Metaneb—in improving lung recovery in patients following cardiac surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the therapies to determine which method enhances lung expansion and reduces postoperative respiratory complications. The study focuses on patients recovering from procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting and valve repairs, where lung expansion is critical to prevent issues like atelectasis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone cardiac surgery via median sternotomy and are admitted to the Cardiovascular ICU.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI over 40, those who refuse consent, or individuals with prior or current lung transplants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved lung recovery and reduced respiratory complications for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of various respiratory therapies, making this approach both relevant and necessary for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years and older
2. Admitted to Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated valve repair/replacement, or CABG + valve repair/replacement
3. Cardiac surgery performed via median sternotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BMI\>40
2. Refusal to be consented
3. Prior or current lung transplant patients

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Pulmonary DiseasePostoperative Complications
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.