Using facial recognition to assess breathing difficulties in patients on mechanical ventilation

Facial Infrared Thermal Imaging for Continuous Contact-less Respiratory Distress Monitoring in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT05163275

This study tests if watching patients' facial expressions can help doctors understand and manage breathing difficulties in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation who can't speak for themselves.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other)
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT05163275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on critically ill patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) to assess their experience of dyspnea, a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. The study employs video recording and electromyography (EMG) to monitor and analyze facial expressions as indicators of dyspnea, particularly in patients who are unable to communicate their discomfort due to sedation or intubation. By improving the recognition of dyspnea, the study aims to enhance patient care and outcomes during the weaning process from mechanical ventilation. The findings could lead to better management strategies for dyspnea in IMV patients, addressing a significant gap in critical care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 who have been on invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours and are deemed ready for a spontaneous breathing trial.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, pregnant individuals, or those with severe sedation levels may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the recognition and management of dyspnea in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to better patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of facial recognition and EMG for assessing dyspnea in IMV patients is a novel approach, similar observational methods have shown promise in other areas of critical care.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Invasive mechanical ventilation\> 48h
* Deemed ready to perform a spontaneous breathing trial, according to current guidelines (readiness-to-wean criteria)
* Decision to perform a spontaneous breathing trial
* Patients or proxy who do not object to participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18
* Pregnancy
* Richmond Analgesia And Sedation scale \< 2 or \> 2
* Patient under legal protection

Where this trial is running

Paris

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: Dyspnea Invasive Mechanical Ventilation-associated, Dyspnea, Respiratory distress, Artificial intelligence, Spontaneous breathing trial, Autonomous monitoring, Critical care, Intensive care unit

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.