Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Phrenic Identification in the ICU

This study uses a special scanner, like those used to look at babies before birth, to find a nerve in the neck called the phrenic nerve. This nerve is important because it helps control the muscle that makes us breathe, called the diaphragm. Patients in intensive care units (ICU) who are on breathing machines sometimes have problems with this muscle. Researchers want to see if they can identify clear spots in the neck that help them find this nerve easily. Finding this nerve could help doctors develop new ways to stimulate it, which might help patients breathe more easily and recover better. It's an observational study, meaning we will just be looking, not giving any new medicines or treatments.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Unity Health Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

21 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

04 Dec 2026

Ventilator Lung Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury Diaphragm Disease Phrenic Nerve Phrenic Nerve Stimulation Neck Anatomy Ultrasound

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell and need help breathing, they are often put on a breathing machine, also known as a ventilator, in the intensive care unit (ICU). While these machines save lives, sometimes they can affect a key breathing muscle called the diaphragm. This muscle needs to work well for us to breathe on our own.

Researchers are exploring new ways to help this diaphragm muscle. One idea is to gently stimulate a specific nerve in the neck, called the phrenic nerve, which connects to the diaphragm. If we can stimulate this nerve, it might help the diaphragm work better. However, it's not always easy to find this nerve from outside the body.

This study will simply use a type of scanner called an ultrasound – similar to how doctors look at bumps or babies during pregnancy – to look at the necks of patients in the ICU. The aim is to find clear 'landmarks' or spots that show where the phrenic nerve is located. By understanding where this nerve sits in different people, doctors hope to find better, safer, and less invasive ways to stimulate it in the future, ultimately helping patients breathe more effectively.

Key takeaways

The study uses an ultrasound to find a breathing nerve called the phrenic nerve.
It's for patients who are in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on a breathing machine.
The goal is to help doctors find better ways to support patients' breathing in the future.
It's a simple, safe procedure, like a regular body scan.
Your medical care will not change because of participating.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU).

However, you won't be able to join if you have a special neck brace or collar that makes it hard to use the ultrasound scanner. Also, if you decide you don't want to participate, that's perfectly fine, and you won't be included in the study.

This study includes both men and women of any age over 18. The main thing is that you're in the ICU and don't have a neck collar that would get in the way of the scan.

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 currently being cared for in an intensive care unit (ICU)?
Do you NOT have a special neck brace or collar?
Are you willing to have a short, gentle neck ultrasound scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part in this study, a doctor or trained healthcare professional will use a special ultrasound machine to look at the side of your neck. This is like the scans used to look at babies during pregnancy and involves placing a gel and a small device gently on your skin. They will be looking for specific parts of your neck anatomy and trying to find the phrenic nerve. This is a one-time scan and doesn't involve any new medicines, needles, or treatments. There will be no follow-up visits specifically for this study after the scan is completed. The total duration of your participation will be just the time it takes for this single scan, which is usually quite short.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is considered very low risk. The main activity is a simple neck ultrasound, which is a safe procedure that doesn't use radiation and is generally well-tolerated. It might feel a little cool from the gel or slight pressure from the scanner, but it shouldn't be painful. There are no direct benefits for you personally from taking part, as it's an observational study focused on understanding more about the body. However, the information gathered could help doctors in the future find better ways to treat patients who need breathing support. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

St. Michael's Hospital
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is a phrenic nerve?

It's a nerve in your neck that sends signals to your main breathing muscle (the diaphragm), helping you to breathe.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body, like a baby scan. It’s safe and doesn't use radiation.

Will this study change my medical treatment?

No, this study is just about looking and gathering information. It won't change any of the medical care you are currently receiving.

How long will the ultrasound take?

The ultrasound scan itself should only take a short amount of time, usually just a few minutes.

Do I have to take part?

No, it's completely your choice. If you don't want to participate, it will not affect your medical care in any way.