Feasibility of Reducing Respiratory Drive Using the Through-flow System

Launched by UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK, TORONTO · Nov 29, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new system called Throughflow, which aims to help patients with breathing difficulties caused by lung or diaphragm injuries. These injuries can happen when patients are on mechanical ventilation, a machine that helps them breathe. The Throughflow system is designed to make it easier for the body to breathe by reducing the amount of work the lungs and diaphragm have to do. This could potentially lower the risk of further injury and improve recovery.

To participate in this trial, patients must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and currently on mechanical ventilation due to serious breathing problems, specifically if they have low oxygen levels and visible issues in both lungs on scans. Candidates should not have certain medical conditions that would prevent them from safely participating, like recent surgery in the stomach area or specific brain injuries. If eligible, participants will be monitored closely while using the Throughflow system, and the research team will evaluate how well it works in reducing breathing demands.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • PaO2/FiO2 less than or equal to 300 at time of screening
• • Oral endotracheal intubation with ETT 7.5 or 8.0 and on invasive mechanical ventilation
• • Bilateral airspace opacities on chest radiograph or chest CT scan
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindication to esophageal catheterization (upper gastrointestinal tract surgery within preceding 6 weeks, bleeding esophageal/gastric varices)
• • Intubation for traumatic brain injury or stroke
• • Intracranial hypertension (suspected or diagnosed by medical team)
• • Anticipated liberation from mechanical ventilation within 24 hours

Trial Officials