Effect of Post-suction Recruitment on Lung Volume in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients
Patients in intensive care often need help breathing with a machine. Sometimes, clearing their breathing tubes (suctioning) can make parts of their lungs temporarily close up. This study wants to see if applying a short burst of higher air pressure, called a 'recruitment maneuver,' right after suctioning helps to reopen these lung areas and keep the lungs working better. We'll compare this to just suctioning alone, using a special monitor to check lung volume. The aim is to find better ways to care for these patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is very poorly and needs a breathing machine in intensive care, doctors and nurses often have to clear their breathing tubes. This process, called 'suctioning,' is really important to remove any mucus or fluid that builds up. However, even though it's necessary, suctioning can sometimes cause small parts of the lungs to briefly close down. This can make it a bit harder for the patient to get enough oxygen.
To try and fix this, medical teams sometimes use a technique called a 'recruitment maneuver.' This involves giving a short, gentle burst of slightly higher air pressure through the breathing machine right after suctioning. The idea is that this extra pressure might help to 're-open' those tiny, closed-off lung areas and bring the lung volume back up to normal. Doctors aren't completely sure if doing this regularly really makes a big difference for patients in the long run.
This study aims to find out if using this 'recruitment maneuver' right after suctioning is genuinely helpful for keeping patients' lungs healthy and open. We want to see if it improves how much air the lungs can hold compared to just suctioning without the extra pressure. A special, safe scanning device will be used at the bedside to check lung volume in real-time. The results could help doctors give even better care to patients on breathing machines.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new way to help lungs in ICU patients on breathing machines.
- Compares suctioning alone vs. suctioning plus a 'recruitment maneuver'.
- Uses a special, safe monitor to check lung volume.
- Aims to find better ways to keep lungs healthy after clearing breathing tubes.
- Study only involves adult ICU patients who are already on a breathing machine.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you would need to be an adult (18 years or older) and currently be in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a breathing machine. You would also need to have national health insurance and be receiving medicines that relax your muscles. Since you might not be able to give your consent, a close family member or legal representative would need to agree for you to take part.
There are some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have a pacemaker or another electrical device in your body, or certain lung conditions like severe emphysema or a collapsed lung that hasn't been treated. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if the doctors think that taking part wouldn't be safe or helpful for you, you also wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
- Are you currently in intensive care?
- Are you currently on a breathing machine?
- Are you receiving medicines that relax your muscles?
- Do you (or your family) agree to take part if you can't decide for yourself?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will have two different suctioning procedures, but they will happen in a random order, not necessarily one after the other immediately. For one procedure, only the usual suctioning will be done. For the other, you'll have suctioning followed by a short, gentle increase in air pressure from the breathing machine. There will be at least 15 minutes between these two procedures.
Throughout the study, special equipment will be used to monitor your lungs. This includes a non-invasive monitor placed on your chest that creates images of your lungs (like a safe type of scan) and checks how much air they hold. Other routine measurements of your breathing and oxygen levels will also be taken. The total duration of your participation in this study will be limited to these two interventions during a single period in the ICU.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hôpital National d'Instruction des Armées Sainte-AnneVerified postcodeToulon, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'suctioning'?
Suctioning is when nurses or doctors gently clear mucus and fluid from your breathing tube to help you breathe easier.
What is a 'recruitment maneuver'?
It's a short, gentle increase in air pressure from your breathing machine that aims to open up tiny, closed-off areas in your lungs.
Will I feel anything during the study?
Since you'll be receiving muscle-relaxing medicines, you shouldn't feel discomfort during the procedures. Your medical team will monitor you closely.
Is the lung scanning device safe?
Yes, the electrical impedance tomography (EIT) scanner is a non-invasive device placed on your chest and is considered safe for monitoring lung activity.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your participation will involve two suctioning procedures, usually occurring within a relatively short period during your time in the ICU.
How to find out more
Asmaa JOBIC, Ph.D
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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