Lateral positioning to optimize breathing in adults after abdominal surgery with ARDS

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 prospective, randomized crossover study compares three body positions—supine, left lateral, and right lateral—in adults with ARDS after abdominal surgery. Using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) at the bedside, the team measures regional ventilation and perfusion to quantify ventilation-perfusion matching and oxygenation, along with safety and feasibility of the positioning protocol. Each position is held for 60 minutes with stabilization and EIT assessments during each stage. The goal is to see if lateral positions can improve V/Q matching and help guide post-operative care in this high-risk group.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Postoperative abdominal surgery patients admitted to the ICU with ARDS (Berlin definition)
* Considered able to tolerate protocolized position changes by the treating team
* EIT belt placement and protocol procedures feasible
* Informed consent obtained from the patient or legally authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to lateral positioning (e.g., unstable spine, uncontrolled bleeding, open abdomen, high-risk surgical wound condition)
* Severe hemodynamic instability or other conditions making participation unsafe
* High risk of airway/vascular line/drain dislodgement not manageable
* Pregnancy
* Refusal of informed consent
* Any other condition deemed inappropriate by investigators

Where it's running

• Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine
  Shanghai, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Rui Zhang
• Email: ccmzhangrui@foxmail.com
• Phone: +86 18801119381

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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.