Evaluating Lung Ventilation and Blood Flow in Adults with ARDS After Abdominal Surgery Using Electrical Impedance Tomography Across Different Body Positions

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults who have undergone abdominal surgery and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS. The trial evaluates how different body positionsleft lateral, right lateral, and supineaffect lung ventilation and blood flow matching, which can impact oxygen levels and breathing efficiency. The study uses a special imaging technique called electrical impedance tomography EIT to measure lung function at the bedside without radiation. Participants will adopt three positions in random order supine, left lateral, and right lateral. Each position lasts 60 minutes, with a 45-minute stabilization period before lung function measurements. EIT ventilation is recorded after stabilization, followed by EIT perfusion assessed during an 8-second breath-hold while a tracer is injected intravenously. Between positions, participants return to supine for a 45-minute washout. The study compares lung function across these positions and monitors safety and feasibility. During the trial, participants are continuously monitored for ventilation-perfusion matching, oxygenation, breathing mechanics, and blood circulation. Vital signs are recorded along with any adverse events related to the positioning. Researchers assess how well participants tolerate the position changes and the quality of EIT imaging data collected. The entire process includes randomized position stages with detailed safety checks and lung function assessments lasting several hours per participant.

Electrical Impedance Tomography-Guided Identification of the Optimal Lateral Position in Postoperative ARDS