Using a diaphragm pacemaker to help premature infants breathe without a ventilator

A Randomized Controlled Study of the External Diaphragm Pacemaker Assisted Extubation in Premature Infants With Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University · NCT06404294

This study is testing if a special device can help premature babies breathe on their own without a ventilator after they've been on one for a while.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 3 Months
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06404294 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of an external diaphragm pacemaker to assist in the extubation process of premature infants who have been on invasive mechanical ventilation for over a week. The goal is to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and improve the success rate of extubation by addressing respiratory muscle atrophy, which is common in these infants. By stimulating the diaphragm, the study aims to enhance respiratory function and decrease complications associated with prolonged ventilation. The research is conducted at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are premature infants aged 28 to 35 weeks who have been on invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 7 days.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital airway malformations, severe brain damage, or other significant congenital conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the time premature infants spend on mechanical ventilation and lower the risk of associated complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on diaphragm stimulation in adults and older children, this specific approach in premature infants is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Premature infants at 28 to 35 weeks.
2. The premature infant whose invasive mechanical ventilation time ≥7 days.
3. Parents sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The premature infant with congenital airway malformation confirmed by chest CT or bronchofiberscopy.
2. The premature infant with congenital genetic metabolic disease.
3. The premature infant with complex congenital heart disease.
4. The premature infant undergoing surgery.
5. The premature infant with severe brain damage.
6. The premature infant with neuromuscular diseases.
7. The premature infant with congenital skin disease, local skin damage or infection.

Where this trial is running

Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality

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 Invasive Mechanical VentilationExtubationExternal Diaphragm PacemakerPreterm Infants
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.