About this trial
Reduced diaphragmatic activity during mechanical ventilation can lead to diaphragmatic disuse atrophy, atelectasis, increased lung stress and strain, and hemodynamic impairment. This, in turn, may prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation, make weaning more difficult, and even increase mortality. Synchronizing phrenic nerve stimulation to promote diaphragmatic activity may prevent ventilator-induced lung injury and ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction, thereby improving patient outcomes. Surgically implanted phrenic nerve stimulation has been used in certain neurological disorders, but the effects of percutaneous non-invasive synchronized phrenic nerve stimulation in patients with ARDS undergoing mechanical ventilation remain unclear and require further investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Adult ARDS patients undergoing controlled mechanical ventilation
The duration of endotracheal intubation < 48 hrs
Disqualifiers
Neurological condition affecting motor neuron or muscle (e.g. ALS)
Paralysis of the phrenic nerve
Proven or suspected spinal cord injury
Conditions that limit diaphragm movement
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- PNS group