The Feasibility of Electrical Impedance Tomography to Guide Non-invasive Respiratory Interventions in Chronic Respiratory Disease
This research project aims to see if a special technology called Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) can improve how breathing machines (like Non-Invasive Ventilation, NIV, and Cough Assist) are set up. EIT creates instant, painless pictures of your lungs, like a live map. Doctors hope to use these pictures to fine-tune breathing machine settings to fit each person perfectly. This could make the machines more comfortable and work better, helping people with long-term breathing difficulties feel better and spend less time in hospital. The study will also look at how EIT can help understand how air moves in the lungs during cough assistance.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a new way to help people with serious, long-term breathing problems. Many people in the UK suffer from conditions like COPD, which make it very hard to breathe. They often need special breathing machines, such as Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) or cough assist devices, to help them breathe and clear their lungs. While these machines are very helpful, it can sometimes be tricky to get them set up just right for each person, and some people find them uncomfortable or hard to use.
That's where Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) comes in. EIT is a clever technology that can create live pictures of your lungs without using radiation. It works by placing a special belt around your chest that sends tiny, harmless electrical signals through your body. These signals help create an instant picture showing how air is moving inside your lungs. Doctors want to see if using these real-time pictures can help them adjust breathing machines more accurately, making them work better for you.
The main goal of this project is to see if using EIT can help doctors find the best settings for your breathing machine. If successful, this could mean you get more personalised treatment, feel more comfortable using your machine, and potentially experience an improvement in your breathing and overall well-being. It could also help us understand how to improve cough assistance, which is vital for clearing airways.
Key takeaways
- Exploring a new way to personalise breathing machine settings.
- Uses a safe, radiation-free technology called EIT for live lung pictures.
- Aims to make breathing machines more effective and comfortable.
- Could help people with long-term breathing problems feel better.
- Involves hospital visits for adjustments and follow-up (up to one month).
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people aged 18 or over. It has two main parts, and you might be suitable for one or both.
For the first part, we are looking for people who have been diagnosed with long-term breathing problems and use a breathing machine called Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) at home, but find it hard to use for at least 4 hours a night. You can't take part if you have a pacemaker or other implanted heart device, a recent open wound on your chest, or if your chest is either very small or very large.
The second part is for people aged 18 or over with a muscle or nerve condition that affects their breathing, who currently use or have used a cough assist machine. Again, you can't join this part if you have a pacemaker or other implanted heart device, a recent open wound on your chest, or a chest size outside a specific range. There are also a few other conditions that might mean this part of the study isn't suitable, like certain lung problems or recent head injuries.
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 18 years old or older?
- Do you have long-term breathing problems and use a home breathing machine (NIV) for less than 4 hours a night?
- Do you have a muscle or nerve condition affecting your breathing and use a cough assist machine?
- Do you NOT have a pacemaker or other implanted heart device?
- Is your chest size roughly between 80cm and 116cm (medium size)?
- Are you able to understand information and give your consent to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll visit the Royal Free Hospital. The study is split into two parts, and you might participate in one or both.
In the first part, you'll come to the hospital. We'll measure your body, check your current breathing machine settings, and take some blood tests and breathing tests. You'll wear the EIT belt for a short time while expert doctors adjust your breathing machine settings based on the EIT pictures. These new settings will then be tested for 2-4 hours. You'll then go home and use these new settings for a month. After one month, you'll return to the hospital for follow-up tests to see how things have changed. The total duration of your active participation, including follow-up, would be about one month.
In the second part, you'll also come to the hospital for initial breathing tests. Then, with the EIT belt on, you'll have five short sessions (1-2 minutes each) using a cough assist machine, with a 20-minute rest between sessions. During these sessions, the machine settings will be adjusted slightly while EIT tracks how air moves in your lungs. This part of the study would involve a single visit lasting a few hours. There are no changes to your regular medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Free HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is EIT?
EIT stands for Electrical Impedance Tomography. It's a technology that uses a special chest belt to create live, painless pictures of how air moves in your lungs, without using X-rays.
Will I have to stop my current treatment?
No, you will continue your current treatment. This study aims to potentially improve the settings of your existing breathing machine, not replace it.
How long does the study last?
If you join the first part, you'll have an initial visit and then a follow-up visit after one month. If you join the second part, it's usually a single visit lasting a few hours.
Is the EIT belt uncomfortable?
The EIT belt is designed to be comfortable and sends very small, harmless electrical signals that you shouldn't feel. It's a non-invasive procedure.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care or relationship with your healthcare team.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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