EXtubation Related Complications - the EXTUBE Study (EXTUBE)
The 'EXTUBE' study is a worldwide project investigating complications that can occur when a breathing tube (tube for a ventilator) is removed. This procedure, called extubation, happens millions of times a year after general anaesthesia or serious illness. While usually safe, it carries some risks. This study aims to find out how often problems happen, who is most at risk, and what medical practices might lead to safer extubations. By gathering information from many hospitals, researchers hope to improve how doctors remove breathing tubes and reduce potential dangers, making the process smoother and safer for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have a big operation under general anaesthetic, or if you're very unwell in intensive care, you might need a breathing tube placed in your windpipe. This tube helps you to breathe, often with the help of a machine called a ventilator. Once you're recovering and strong enough, this breathing tube needs to be taken out – a process called extubation. It might sound simple, but taking out a breathing tube is a skilled procedure and it's really important that it's done at just the right time and in the right way.
This 'EXTUBE' study is an international project designed to understand more about what happens during and after a breathing tube is removed. Millions of people have this procedure every year, but we don't have a clear picture of how often issues arise and what might cause them. Sometimes, problems can occur, which can be serious, such as not getting enough oxygen, or, very rarely, leading to heart problems or brain injury.
Researchers want to collect information from lots of hospitals around the world to get a better understanding of these potential problems. They're looking at things like how often issues occur, what makes some patients more at risk, and what current practices doctors and nurses use when taking out breathing tubes. This will help them find ways to make the procedure even safer and improve care for everyone.
Key takeaways
- The EXTUBE study aims to make breathing tube removal safer.
- It collects information on complications during extubation.
- No new treatments are given; it's an observational study.
- Focuses on improving practices for future patients.
- Participation is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who are having a breathing tube removed. This includes the first time a tube is removed, or if a tube is put back in and then removed again.
You might be having your breathing tube removed after general anaesthesia, whether that's in an operating room or in another area where anaesthesia is given. It also includes patients who are having their breathing tube removed in an intensive care unit (ICU).
However, some people won't be able to join the study. This includes patients whose breathing tube is being removed as part of end-of-life care, or if it's being removed because they are switching to a longer-term breathing solution like a tracheostomy.
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?
- Are you having a breathing tube removed after general anaesthesia or in intensive care?
- Is the tube being removed as part of your pathway to recovery (not end-of-life care)?
- Is the tube being removed because you no longer need it, not to switch to a tracheostomy?
What does participation involve?
This is an 'observational' study, which means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, the doctors and nurses involved in your care will simply collect information about your health and how your breathing tube removal goes, as part of their routine care. They'll record details about your existing medical care, how the breathing tube is removed, and any complications that might happen afterwards. There are no extra visits or assessments for you, and your medical team will continue to follow all standard care procedures. The study will just gather data on your usual hospital stay around the time your breathing tube is removed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (30)
- Banner University Medical CentreVerified postcodeTucson, United States· Completed
- University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesVerified postcodeLittle Rock, United States· Completed
- University of FloridaVerified postcodeGainesville, United States· Completed
- The University of ChicagoVerified postcodeChicago, United States· Recruiting
- Oregon Health & Science UniversityVerified postcodePortland, United States· Completed
- The University of Texas Health Science CenterVerified postcodeHouston, United States· Completed
- Royal North Shore HospitalVerified postcodeSydney, Australia· Completed
- The Northern HospitalVerified postcodeMelbourne, Australia· Completed
- Austin HospitalVerified postcodeMelbourne, Australia· Completed
- Eastern Health - Box Hill HospitalVerified postcodeMelbourne, Australia· Completed
- Eastern Health - Maroondah HospitalVerified postcodeMelbourne, Australia· Completed
- Eastern Health - Angliss HospitalVerified postcodeMelbourne, Australia· Completed
Common questions
What is 'extubation'?
Extubation is when a doctor or nurse carefully removes a breathing tube from your windpipe after you've had general anaesthetic or been very unwell.
Will I get a new treatment in this study?
No, this study doesn't test new treatments. It just observes and collects information about the care you're already receiving when your breathing tube is removed.
Why is this study important?
It helps doctors understand how often problems happen when breathing tubes are removed, what causes them, and how to make the process safer for future patients.
Who can join the study?
Adults (18 and over) who are having a breathing tube removed after surgery or critical illness, as part of their standard care.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all patient information collected for this study will be kept confidential and handled according to strict privacy rules.
How to find out more
Matteo Parotto, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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