Switching from controlled to assisted ventilation in patients with respiratory failure

Unraveling the (patho)physiological Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Benefits of an Early Switch from Controlled to Assisted Ventilation

Not applicable Interventional Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06438198

This study is testing if switching patients with severe breathing problems from controlled to assisted ventilation earlier can help their recovery and reduce complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam)
Trial IDNCT06438198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This physiological intervention focuses on the early transition from controlled mechanical ventilation to assisted ventilation in adult patients suffering from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. The switch will occur when the patient's PaO2/FiO2 ratio exceeds 200 mmHg, with continuous monitoring of lung stress using electrical impedance tomography and pressure measurements. The study aims to understand the physiological mechanisms involved and assess the clinical benefits of this early switch, which may help mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged controlled ventilation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients expected to require mechanical ventilation for less than 48 hours or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve lung function and patient outcomes in those requiring mechanical ventilation.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, related studies have indicated potential benefits of early transitions in ventilation strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old
* Written informed consent from a legal representative
* Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube
* Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with PaO2/FiO2 ratio \< 200 mmHg
* Under continuous sedation with or without paralysis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Expected mechanical ventilation duration of \<48 hours
* Pure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation
* Pre-existent respiratory muscle disease
* Contraindication to EIT monitoring (as per clinical protocol, e.g. pacemaker, burns or thoracic wounds limiting electrode placement)
* Contra-indications to oesophageal manometry (as per clinical protocol, e.g., recent oesophageal surgery, oesophageal varices, severe bleeding disorders)
* Known pregnancy
* Anticipating withdrawal of life support and/or shift to palliation as the goal of care

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam

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 Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory FailureMechanical VentilationElectrical Impedance TomographyEsophageal manometryControlled Mechanical VentilationAssisted Mechanical VentilationRespiratory Monitoring
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.