Live streaming ultrasound for patients with acute breathing difficulties

Live Stream of Prehospital Emergency Ultrasound in Patients with Acute Dyspnoea

Observational Medical University of Vienna · NCT04817488

This study tests whether using live streaming ultrasound with remote expert help can improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients having trouble breathing compared to standard ultrasound methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT04817488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the impact of prehospital emergency ultrasound (PEU) with tele-supervision on diagnosing and treating patients experiencing acute dyspnoea. It compares two groups: one receiving ultrasound guidance remotely and the other receiving standard ultrasound without tele-supervision. The study aims to include 350 patients and assess differences in diagnosis, treatment strategies, and cognitive load between the two approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults experiencing acute dyspnoea with signs of respiratory failure.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or those for whom ultrasound may delay critical treatment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy and efficiency of emergency care for patients with acute dyspnoea.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of tele-supervision in emergency settings is gaining traction, the specific application of this approach in prehospital ultrasound for acute dyspnoea is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients will be included, if they suffer from acute dyspnoea and at least one of the two following signs of respiratory failure:

* Respiratory rate \>20 breaths per minute
* Peripheral oxygen saturation without oxygen supplementation \<90%

Exclusion Criteria:

* under the age of 18
* if PEU will lead to a delay of live-saving treatment or transportation
* if patient rejects the PEU, the patient will be excluded

Where this trial is running

Vienna

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 EchocardiographyAcute DyspneaUltrasound diagnosticsPrehospital emergency medicine
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.