Non-invasive stimulation of the phrenic nerve in ARDS patients

Non-invasive Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in ARDS Patients - a Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional Southeast University, China · NCT06572280

This study tests if a new non-invasive method to stimulate the phrenic nerve can help improve breathing and reduce complications for adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome who are on a ventilator.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSoutheast University, China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT06572280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of non-invasive synchronized phrenic nerve stimulation on diaphragmatic activity in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who are undergoing mechanical ventilation. The goal is to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury and diaphragm dysfunction by promoting diaphragmatic activity, which may improve patient outcomes. The study focuses on adult ARDS patients with a short duration of intubation, aiming to explore a novel intervention that could enhance respiratory function and reduce complications associated with mechanical ventilation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients with ARDS who are undergoing controlled mechanical ventilation and have been intubated for less than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological conditions affecting motor function, phrenic nerve paralysis, or other conditions that limit diaphragm movement may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the recovery and weaning process for ARDS patients on mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: While surgically implanted phrenic nerve stimulation has shown success in neurological disorders, the effects of non-invasive stimulation in ARDS patients are still unclear and represent a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult ARDS patients undergoing controlled mechanical ventilation
2. The duration of endotracheal intubation \< 48 hrs

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Neurological condition affecting motor neuron or muscle (e.g. ALS)
2. Paralysis of the phrenic nerve
3. Proven or suspected spinal cord injury
4. Conditions that limit diaphragm movement
5. Patients with Implanted cardiac support systems (pacemaker, implanted defibrillator)
6. Patients with implanted medical pumps
7. Pregnancy
8. Patients with skin lesions, infections or strictures in throat/neck area
9. Patients with metallic implants
10. Refusal to sign informed consent

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

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 ARDS, HumanVentilator-Induced Lung InjuryDiaphragm InjuryARDSdiaphragm injurymechanical ventilation
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.