What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of high-flow tracheal oxygen (HFTO) compared to conventional oxygen therapy (COT) on airway mucus viscosity and breathing effort in adult patients who are weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation with a tracheostomy. The study aims to determine whether HFTO can reduce sputum thickness, ease breathing effort, and lessen the feeling of breathlessness during the weaning process. This pilot study uses a randomized crossover design involving twenty adult patients. Participants receive both treatments—HFTO and COT—during the weaning phase over two separate days in a randomized order. Oxygen therapy is delivered during disconnection sessions from mechanical ventilation, which may be short (less than 90 minutes) or long (up to 12 hours). Each type of disconnection session is performed twice, once with HFTO and once with COT, allowing direct comparison of the two methods. During the study, researchers measure the thickness and elasticity of sputum using rheology during the long disconnection sessions and assess respiratory effort through esophageal pressure changes. They also evaluate the severity and frequency of breathlessness using a visual analogue scale. All procedures involve standard clinical practices with minimal risk. The total duration of participation depends on the weaning timeline and the disconnection sessions scheduled for each patient.

Physiological Effect High-flow Tracheal Oxygen on Viscosity of Airway Mucus and Respiratory Effort in Patients Weaning from Invasive Mechanical Ventilation