Personalized diaphragm pacing to improve outcomes in ventilated patients

Personalized Ultrasound Guided Pacing of the External Diaphragm to Improve Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University · NCT06609577

This study is testing if a personalized diaphragm pacing treatment can help critically ill patients on ventilators recover better and get off the machines more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorAffiliated Hospital of Nantong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nantong, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT06609577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of personalized external diaphragm pacing (EDP) guided by real-time diaphragm ultrasound in improving outcomes for patients on invasive mechanical ventilation. By assessing diaphragm function and adjusting pacing parameters for each patient, the study aims to prevent diaphragm muscle weakening and enhance the chances of successful weaning from the ventilator. Key metrics such as diaphragm thickening fraction and rapid shallow breathing index will be utilized to optimize treatment. The trial will compare personalized EDP with standard weaning protocols in critically ill patients requiring long-term respiratory support.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with severe phrenic nerve injury, end-stage disease, or those unable to be weaned from mechanical ventilation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While personalized approaches in diaphragm pacing are innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for mechanically ventilated patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults ≥18 years of age undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.
2. Expected duration of mechanical ventilation ≥48 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ICU expected length of stay less than 48 hours
2. severe phrenic nerve or diaphragmatic injury that is unable to respond to diaphragmatic pacing.
3. Patients who have received or are scheduled to receive other respiratory assistance or diaphragmatic pacing interventions.
4. Patients with end-stage disease with an expected survival of \<6 months.
5. Patients who are unable to be weaned from mechanical ventilation, such as patients with severe brain injury or paraplegia.

Where this trial is running

Nantong, 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 Respiratory FailureMechanical VentilationExternal Diaphragm PacingDiaphragm UltrasoundVentilator WeaningCritical Care
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.