Testing breathing support methods for patients on ventilators

A Cluster-Randomized Crossover Trial to Compare Spontaneous Breathing Trial With T-piece or Inspiratory Pressure Augmentation

NA · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT04222205

This study tests two different ways to help patients on ventilators breathe on their own to see which method helps them get off the ventilator safely and more successfully.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2143 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital (other)
Locations3 sites (Taipei, Please Select and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04222205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates two methods for conducting spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) in patients who are being weaned off mechanical ventilation. The researchers will compare the effectiveness of T-piece breathing versus inspiratory pressure augmentation to determine which method leads to higher success rates in weaning patients from invasive mechanical ventilation. The goal is to identify patients ready for extubation without risking premature removal from the ventilator. The study aims to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and minimize the risk of reintubation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults in the ICU who are receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and meet specific readiness criteria for a spontaneous breathing trial.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 20 years old, on do-not-intubate orders, or have been on mechanical ventilation for less than 12 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the weaning process for mechanically ventilated patients, leading to faster recovery and reduced hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different SBT methods, but this specific comparison of inspiratory pressure augmentation versus T-piece is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Admitted to the adult intensive care unit (ICU)
2. Receiving invasive mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube
3. Ready to start an SBT\* \*The criteria of readiness to an SBT include FiO2 ≤ 0.4, PEEP ≤ 8 cmH2O, minute ventilation ≤ 0.15 L/min/predicted body weight, inspiratory pressure or driving pressure ≤ 14 cm H2O, stable cardiovascular status and no worsening of non-pulmonary organ function.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age \< 20 years
2. Receiving mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy
3. Mechanical ventilation \< 12 hours
4. Invasive ventilation started before the index hospitalization
5. On do-not-intubate order

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Please Select and 2 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ventilator Weaning, Clinical trial, Mechanical ventilation, Respiratory failure, Spontaneous breathing trial, Weaning

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.