Using sEMG of the Diaphragm to Assess Readiness for Extubation

Launched by CARDIFF AND VALE UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD · Jul 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help doctors decide when a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is ready to have their breathing tube removed. When someone is very sick, they often need a breathing machine connected through a tube in their windpipe to help them breathe. Removing this tube at the right time is very important for recovery, but it can be hard to know exactly when a patient is ready. This study is testing a tool called surface electromyography (sEMG), which measures how well the diaphragm—the main muscle used for breathing—is working. By using this test, doctors hope to better understand when a patient can safely stop using the breathing machine.

People who might take part in this trial are adults who have been on a breathing machine for more than three days and are about to try having their breathing tube removed. Patients with certain conditions, like brain injuries or those using pacemakers, cannot join. If you join, the medical team will use special sensors placed on your skin to measure your diaphragm’s activity while you try breathing on your own. This test is painless and non-invasive, meaning it does not involve surgery or discomfort. The information gathered will help researchers learn if this method can improve the timing and safety of removing breathing tubes in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients requiring mechanical ventilation for \>72 hours
• • Patients who an attempt at extubation is planned
• • Patients who are willing or able to give informed consent (Where consultee advice is sought, informed consent from the participant will be completed as soon as possible).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Aged under 18 years
• • Patients admitted with traumatic or spontaneous brain injury
• • Patients for who extubation is planned as a palliative process
• • Contra-indication to using sEMG e.g., permanent or temporary pacemaker, internal or external cardiac defibrillator, skin lesions around site of electrode placement