Reducing swallowing difficulties after lung transplantation

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and Dysphagia in Lung Transplantation (LT)

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06089434

This study is testing if using fewer TEE clips during lung transplantation can help patients swallow better after their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment116 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06089434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of limiting the number of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) clips taken during lung transplantation on postoperative dysphagia. Patients undergoing single or double lung transplantation at UCLA will be randomized into two groups: one with a restricted number of TEE clips and another where the number is determined by the attending anesthesiologist. The primary outcome measured will be the incidence of dysphagia assessed through speech and swallow evaluations after surgery. The hypothesis is that fewer TEE clips may lead to a reduction in swallowing difficulties postoperatively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients scheduled for single or double lung transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to TEE or those requiring a tracheostomy postoperatively may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of dysphagia in lung transplant patients, improving their recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of limiting TEE clips is novel, retrospective studies suggest that reducing the number of clips may be beneficial in decreasing postoperative dysphagia.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult patients
2. Single or double lung transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindications to TEE including:

   * perforated esophagus;
   * esophageal stricture;
   * esophageal tumor; and
   * history of an esophagectomy
2. Patients that require a tracheostomy postoperatively.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Lung TransplantDysphagiaLung TransplantationTransesophageal EchocardiographyOutcomes
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.