Evaluating Pressure Support Ventilation Techniques for Patients with Respiratory Failure

PressUre-Muscle-index to Identify Patient's Desired Tidal Volume and the Threshold of Over-Assistance During Pressure Support Ventilation

Unity Health Toronto · NCT06494085

This study is testing if changing the pressure support on ventilators based on individual patient needs can help people recovering from severe breathing problems get better faster and breathe on their own sooner.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto (other)
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06494085 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the effects of adjusting pressure support ventilation based on the pressure muscle index (PMI) in patients recovering from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The study will involve measuring respiratory mechanics and inspiratory effort through a series of occlusions while patients are on mechanical ventilation. By determining the optimal level of pressure support that minimizes excessive assistance, the study seeks to enhance patient recovery and facilitate earlier liberation from the ventilator. The approach includes randomized adjustments to pressure support levels to find the most effective settings for each patient.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are invasively ventilated in the ICU and diagnosed with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with severe neurological or neuromuscular diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved ventilation strategies that enhance recovery times for patients with respiratory failure.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in optimizing mechanical ventilation strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>18 y.o.
* Invasively ventilated in Intensive Care Unit.
* Diagnosed with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (P/F\<300 mmHg).
* Breathing on pressure support ventilation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 y.o.
* Contraindication for Electrical Impedence Tomography monitoring (e.g. pacemaker, burns, or - wounds limiting electrode placement).
* Severe and previously diagnosed neurological and neuromuscular disease.
* Psychomotor agitation (Sedation Agitation Scale \> 4).

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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: Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure, Mechanical Ventilation, Intensive Care Unit, Pendelluft, Pressure Support Ventilation

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.