Personalized lung volume optimization with PEEP titration for children after heart surgery or with severe respiratory failure

Influence of a Personalized Lung Volume Optimization Maneuver on Lung Aeration and Cardiac Performance in Mechanically Ventilated Children

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT07193719

This trial tests whether a personalized lung volume optimization maneuver using PEEP titration can improve heart and lung function in children after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery or in those with severe respiratory failure at risk for ECMO.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other
Locations1 site (Berlin)
Trial IDNCT07193719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional Phase 1/2 study enrolls two pediatric groups: children undergoing biventricular congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and children with severe respiratory failure who are on or at risk for ECMO. Participants are randomized to a standardized lung volume optimization maneuver with individualized PEEP titration versus standard care, with post-cardiac surgery measurements performed under closed-chest conditions. Investigators will record hemodynamics, lung mechanics, gas exchange, lung compliance, duration of mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, and regional aeration/ventilation-perfusion matching using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) before and after the maneuver. The ECMO cohort will also be assessed for facilitation of lung-protective ventilation according to PALICC-2 guidelines.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children undergoing biventricular congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass or invasively ventilated pediatric patients with severe respiratory failure who are at risk for or receiving ECMO.

Not a fit: Children with single-ventricle physiology, chronic lung disease, severe lung hypoplasia or interstitial lung disease, significant endotracheal tube leaks, or those on ECMO/VAD at baseline are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the maneuver could improve lung aeration and gas exchange, enhance cardiac performance, and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation in these children.

How similar studies have performed: Prior adult and pediatric studies of recruitment maneuvers and PEEP titration have produced mixed results, and evidence is limited specifically for post-cardiac surgery and pediatric ECMO-risk populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
CHD study:

Inclusion Criteria

* congenital heart disease
* surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Exclusion Criteria:

* single ventricle physiology
* ECMO/VAD
* \<36weeks of gestational age
* chronic lung disease
* Endotracheal tube leak \> 15%
* lack of informed consent from parents.

ECMO study Inclusion Criteria

* patients with respiratory failure on ECMO or at risk for ECMO
* invasive ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

\- severe lung hypoplasia or interstitial lung disease

Where this trial is running

Berlin

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 Congenital Heart DiseaseCardiopulmonary BypassCardiac SurgeryMechanical VentilationPositive End-expiratory PressureLung VolumeLung MechanicsHemodynamic Changes
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.