Actively Recruiting
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) and Dysphagia in Lung Transplantation A Prospective Cluster Randomized Study Evaluating TEE Imaging Limits and Postoperative Swallowing Outcomes
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2025-07-18
116
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common complication following lung transplantation and is linked to increased risks like longer hospital stays and higher mortality. This research is evaluating whether limiting the number of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) images taken during lung transplant surgery can reduce the occurrence of postoperative dysphagia. This is a prospective, randomized study involving adult patients undergoing single or double lung transplants. Participants are randomly assigned by month to one of two groups. The intervention group will have fewer than 20 TEE images taken during surgery, while the control group will have the number of images determined by the anesthesiologist, typically around 80 to 100 images. The anesthesiologist may obtain additional images if necessary for patient care. TEE is a standard diagnostic procedure performed during lung transplants at the study site. After surgery, all patients receive a speech and swallow evaluation by a therapist, usually on the first day after extubation, which is standard care regardless of study participation. Researchers will collect data from medical records and assess outcomes including the rate of dysphagia on postoperative day one, mortality during hospital stay, length of intubation, and duration of ICU and hospital stays. The study is expected to last until July 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
TEE and Dysphagia in Lung Transplantation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adult patients
- Undergoing single or double lung transplantation
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to TEE including perforated esophagus, esophageal stricture, esophageal tumor, or history of esophagectomy
- Patients requiring tracheostomy after surgery
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Surgery day (POD0)
Participants undergo lung transplantation surgery with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). They are randomized to receive either a limited number of TEE clips (fewer than 20 clips) or the standard number of TEE clips as determined by the attending anesthesiologist.
1 surgery visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 10 days after surgery
Participants receive a standard bedside speech and swallow evaluation by a speech/language therapist after extubation, usually performed on postoperative day 1 (POD1). Additional outcomes such as mortality, length of intubation, ICU stay, and hospital stay are monitored until discharge, which typically occurs within 5 to 10 days.
1 to 2 visits including speech/swallow evaluation and hospital monitoring
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jennifer Scovotti, MA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here