PEEP and prone positioning effects on venous hemodynamics and the VExUS score in healthy adults
Effects of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Prone Positioning in Healthy Volunteers on Venous Hemodynamics Including the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) Score
We will see if changing PEEP levels and turning healthy volunteers onto their stomach (proning) changes venous congestion measured by the VExUS ultrasound score and heart ultrasound.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT07273617 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy adult volunteers will undergo sequential measurements at two PEEP settings (0 and 15 mbar) in both supine and prone positions while investigators record VExUS components (IVC diameter, hepatic, portal, and renal venous flow) and echocardiographic parameters. The protocol compares femoral and jugular vein flows and the composite VExUS score across positions and positive airway pressures. By studying participants without cardiopulmonary disease, the trial aims to isolate the direct mechanical effects of positive pressure ventilation and proning on venous hemodynamics. All imaging will be performed at the University Hospital Basel ICU using standardized Doppler and echocardiography techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (≥18) in good overall health who can give informed consent and speak French or German.
Not a fit: People with active cardiopulmonary disease, pregnancy, BMI >40, a history of pneumothorax, inability to consent, or who cannot travel to Basel are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help clinicians understand how PEEP and prone positioning alter venous congestion and guide safer ventilator and positioning decisions in patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have linked the VExUS score to venous congestion and outcomes, but applying PEEP and proning to change VExUS in healthy volunteers is relatively novel and not yet well-established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary participants ≥ 18 years in good overall health with no relevant organ dysfunction in their medical history and signed informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-French or non-German speakers * Unable to provide informed consent * Body mass index \> 40kg/m * Self-reported pregnancy * History of pneumothorax * Previously participated in the study
Where this trial is running
Basel
- University Hospital Basel, Intensive Care Unit — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gregor Loosen, Dr. med. — University Hospital Basel, Intensive Care Unit
- Study coordinator: Gregor Loosen, Dr. med.
- Email: gregormichael.loosen@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 328 40 90
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.