Heart Rate Variability as a Marker to Guide High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This observational study explores whether heart rate variability (HRV) can guide titration of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in adults with respiratory failure. Researchers will monitor HRV (and related ECG/EIT data) to see if autonomic nervous system changes align with the patient’s respiratory needs. The goal is to identify if HRV signals can help avoid under- or over-support with HFNC, potentially reducing ICU stays and costs. The study design is observational, focusing on relationships between HRV metrics and HFNC settings rather than testing a specific intervention. Eligible participants are adults receiving HFNC at Toronto General Hospital under non-experimental conditions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18
* Currently receiving High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* FiO2 ≥ 90%
* Pacemaker rhythm or presence of atrial fibrillation
* Post-cardiac surgery patients
* Contra-indications to electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) (active implantable medical device, burns, thoracic wounds limiting electrode placement)
* Non-English-speaking

Where it's running

• Toronto General Hospital
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Rongyu (Cindy) Jin
• Email: rongyu.jin@uhn.ca
• Phone: 4163404800 ext 7613

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.