Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Exploring a new ventilation method for patients on mechanical ventilation during surgery

Official title: Dead Space in Mechanical Ventilation With Constant Expiratory Flow

Run by University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT06024993 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new breathing method during surgery to see if it helps adults on mechanical ventilation clear carbon dioxide better than the standard method.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment13 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerp)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 22, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2025
Study endsApril 30, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 22, 2025
Trial IDNCT06024993 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia and controlled mechanical ventilation.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions such as one lung ventilation, severe COPD, or those with increased intra-abdominal pressure may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) compared to conventional volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in patients undergoing elective surgery. The study focuses on how FCV, which maintains a constant expiratory flow, may improve carbon dioxide clearance and reduce dead space ventilation. Participants will be adults aged 18-70 who require controlled mechanical ventilation for at least 60 minutes during surgery. The trial aims to gather data on the potential advantages of FCV in a clinical setting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved ventilation strategies that enhance patient outcomes during surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with flow-controlled ventilation, indicating potential benefits over traditional methods, though this specific comparison is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults \[18-70\] yrs
* General anaesthesia for elective surgery
* Arterial line, central venous line and endotracheal tube as part of standard of care
* Expected duration of controlled mechanical ventilation ≥ 60 minutes
* Supine position (0±10°)

Exclusion Criteria:

* One lung ventilation
* Known pregnancy
* Increased intra-abdominal pressure (pneumoperitoneum or obesity (BMI \> 30kg/m2))
* COPD GOLD IV or home oxygen dependence
* Cardiac pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or thoracic neurostimulator
* Skin lesions (e.g. injury, inflammation) at the level where the Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) band is to be applied
* Clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure
* Potential interference with the surgery due to the setup of the study instruments.
* Patient refusal to participate

Where it's running

  • Antwerp University Hospital (UZA)
    Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Vera Saldien, M.D., Ph.D. — Antwerp University Hospital / University of Antwerp
  • Study coordinator: Carine Smitz
  • Email: carine.smitz@uza.be
  • Phone: +32 3 821 49 30

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.