Investigating airway closure during ECMO for respiratory failure

Airway Closure During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The AiCLOSE Study

Observational University Health Network, Toronto · NCT05196074

This study looks at how to safely use breathing machines with ECMO to help people with severe breathing problems get enough oxygen without hurting their lungs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment299 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05196074 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who are receiving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). It aims to understand the safe use of mechanical ventilation settings in conjunction with ECMO to optimize oxygen delivery while minimizing lung injury. The study will analyze patients who have been cannulated for ECMO within the last 24 hours to gather data on their respiratory management. The findings could provide insights into improving care for critically ill patients requiring advanced respiratory support.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who are currently on VV-ECMO.

Not a fit: Patients with air leaks, those on VV-ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation, or those experiencing status asthmaticus may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates and lung protection strategies for patients with severe respiratory failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using ECMO in respiratory failure is established, the specific investigation of airway closure during ECMO is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
* VV-ECMO
* Less than 24 hours from ECMO cannulation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Air leak
* VV-ECMO as bridge to lung transplantation
* Status asthmaticus

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.
Conditions Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
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.