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Electromagnetic Stimulation of the Phrenic Nerve of Intubated Patients

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
General Anaesthesia
Muscle Weakness
Interventions
Device: Electromagnetic stimulation
Registration Number
NCT04946110
Lead Sponsor
Charite University, Berlin, Germany
Brief Summary

Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction is a common issue in critically ill patients. Muscle stimulation has shown to have beneficial effects in muscle groups on the extremities. A non-invasive way to stimulate the diaphragm would be the electromagnetic stimulation but it is currently unclear if that is feasible.

In this proof-of-concept trial the primary aim is to show that it is possible to induce a diaphragmatic contraction leading to an inspiration with a sufficient tidal volume via an external electromagnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve.

Detailed Description

During the time of first spontaneous breathing trial 60% of mechanically ventilated patients present with diaphragmatic weakness or also know as ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). The damage to the diaphragm in terms of muscle atrophy has been shown as early as 12 hours after initiation of mechanical ventilation. Recently, a correlation between diaphragmatic atrophy and mortality could be established.

Induction of diaphragmatic contractions via stimulation of the phrenic nerve would be a possible method to prevent or treat VIDD. A possible modality would be the non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation but feasibility has not been established.

In this proof-of-concept trial the primary aim is to show that it is possible to induce a diaphragmatic contraction leading to an inspiration with a sufficient tidal volume via an external electromagnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
5
Inclusion Criteria
  • ≥ 18 years of age
  • American Society of Anaesthesiologists Classification I or II
Exclusion Criteria
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Preexisting diaphragmatic weakness
  • Neurologic disease with known motor weakness
  • Paralysis of the phrenic nerve
  • Contraindication for any movement in the cervical vertebrae
  • Conditions that limit the movement of the diaphragm e.g. ascites, increased intraabdominal pressure, adipositas.
  • Inability to communicate in the official language
  • Infections, lesions or stricture in the neck area
  • Implanted cardiac devices e.g. pace maker, defibrillator, event recorder
  • Implanted medical pumps e.g. left ventricular assist device
  • Metal implants in the upper body
  • Preganancy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Electromagnetic stimulationElectromagnetic stimulationElectromagnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerve.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Tidal volume generated by electromagentical stimulation of the phrenic nerve (ml)Study duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Mean tidal volume of 10 consecutively stimulations of the phrenic nerve

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Tidal volume per breathStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Tidal volume

Abdominal extension maximumStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Extension of the abdomen measured via in abdominal belt

Air pressure during each breathStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Change in pressure in the duct from expiration to inspiration (mbar)

Max inspiratory flow after stimulationStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

The maximal air flow created in the duct following stimulation of the N. phrenicus (meter / second)

Diaphragmatic thickening fractionStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Diaphragmatic contractility measured by ultrasound after N. phrenicus stimulation

Latency between stimulation and feedbackStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Time between start and end of the stimulation in seconds

Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability]Study duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Adverse Events elicited by the electromagnetic stimulation

Feedback/Stimulation locus relationStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

When the stimulation locus is changed according to protocol the change of the triggered breath is measured in % to the original location.

Intensity/Contractility relationStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Correlation between the simulation intensity and the diaphragmatic contractility

Time to find the optimal stimulation point of the N. phrenicusStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Time between first successful N. phrenicus stimulation and identification of the optimal stimulation locus in seconds

Distance between anatomical landmarks and optimal stimulation locusStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Distance between anatomical landmarks and optimal stimulation locus

Reproducibility of stimulation answerStudy duration (approximately 10 minutes)

Variation of stimulated tidal volumes and diaphragm contraction

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Charité - Univiversitätsmedizin Berlin

🇩🇪

Berlin, Germany

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