Sodium bicarbonate with bedside electrical impedance tomography to map lung blood flow in ventilated adults
The Feasibility of Pulmonary Perfusion Assessment Using Sodium Bicarbonate Contrast With Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Prospective Pilot Study
This project will try whether a small sodium bicarbonate injection combined with bedside electrical impedance tomography can map lung blood flow in adults on mechanical ventilation, compared with hypertonic saline.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 41 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wuhu, Anhui) |
| Trial ID | NCT07542366 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective observational pilot compares two small intravenous contrast boluses—10% hypertonic saline and 5% sodium bicarbonate—delivered through a central venous catheter while recording electrical impedance tomography (EIT) signals. An EIT belt with surface electrodes is placed around the chest and perfusion-focused recordings are taken during brief end-expiratory pauses to isolate the first-pass conductivity signal. Image quality and regional perfusion patterns from sodium bicarbonate are compared within each participant to those from hypertonic saline using predefined analyzable criteria. Continuous bedside monitoring and periodic blood tests are used to document short-term safety including effects on blood pressure, heart rhythm, and electrolytes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in the ICU who are mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically stable, expected to remain on the ventilator for the exam, and have a suitable central venous catheter are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have known allergy or contraindication to sodium bicarbonate or hypertonic saline, unstable cardiovascular status, or chest conditions that prevent correct EIT belt placement are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could offer a practical bedside way to visualize regional lung perfusion in critically ill ventilated patients, potentially informing treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Hypertonic saline has been used previously as an EIT conductivity contrast, whereas the use of sodium bicarbonate for pulmonary perfusion mapping is largely novel and has only limited prior testing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) * Receiving invasive mechanical ventilation with controlled or assisted-controlled mode * Presence of a central venous catheter suitable for contrast bolus injection * Hemodynamically stable (no ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; no uncontrolled shock judged by treating physician) * Expected to remain on mechanical ventilation for the duration of the EIT examination * Written informed consent obtained from the patient or legally authorized representative Exclusion Criteria: * Known pregnancy * Known allergy, intolerance, or contraindication to sodium bicarbonate or hypertonic saline * Severe arrhythmia or unstable cardiovascular status in which small bolus injection is deemed unsafe by the treating physician * Uncontrolled agitation or conditions that preclude correct EIT belt placement (e.g., extensive chest wounds, large chest dressings, chest wall deformity that prevents belt use) * Implanted electronic devices or metallic implants in the thoracic area considered a contraindication to EIT by the manufacturer's instructions * End-stage disease with expected survival of only a few hours, in whom participation is not appropriate as judged by the treating physician * Participation in another interventional trial that, in the opinion of the investigator, could interfere with EIT measurements or safety assessment
Where this trial is running
Wuhu, Anhui
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College) — Wuhu, Anhui, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: qiancheng xu, PhD
- Email: qianchengxu@wnmc.edu.cn
- Phone: +86-18297529106
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.