Clinical Research Directory

Diaphragm Atrophy and Dysfunction in Mechanical Ventilation

The gold standard of twitch transdiaphragmatic pressure recordings would ultimately clear the fog around the rate of development of Ventilator induced Diaphragm Dysfunction (VIDD) in mechanically ventilated patients over time. Through measurements made even after mechanical ventilation (MV) it could be clarified to what extent patients recover from VIDD. Paired with cortical stimulation and electromyographic recordings of diaphragm muscle potentials, it could be explored to what extent decreased diaphragm excitability due to long term MV contributes to VIDD on the level of motor cortex. Against that background the present project aims at determining the rate of decline in diaphragm function, strength and control in patients undergoing MV (including measurements after extubation).

Comparison of the Interscalene Block Alone Versus Combined With Superior Truncus Block During Shoulder Surgery in Diaphragmatic Function

Primarily, This study aims to compare between interscalene block alone versus combined with superior truncus block in producing diaphragmatic paralysis and Secondarily aims to evaluate 1. Effect on the pulmonary function. 2. Duration of the sensory and motor block. 3. Postoperative analgesic consumption. 4. Any complications or side effects during shoulder surgery.

STIMIT Activator 1 IDE Study

The study is a prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled study using adaptive design to assess the evidence of safety and performance of the STIMIT Activator 1 System in the treatment of patients who have been mechanically ventilated for up to 7 days and are predicted to require additional minimum 48 hours of mechanical ventilation or longer.

The Effect of BIPAP on Diaphragmatic Function

This research is designed to evaluate how long-term treatment with Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) influences diaphragm function in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who suffer from chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. The diaphragm is the primary muscle of breathing, and its dysfunction is linked to unfavorable clinical outcomes such as higher mortality rates and frequent hospitalizations. In this prospective cohort study, COPD patients starting BiPAP therapy based on clinical indication will be monitored through repeated ultrasound assessments of diaphragm structure and function together with pulmonary function testing, respiratory muscle strength evaluation, dyspnea. The main outcome of interest is the change in diaphragm thickness in inspiration, thickness in expiration, diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), diaphragm maximum contraction velocity and maximum relaxation velocity across a 6 weeks as a early time and 12 months for long time follow-up period. Secondary measures include hospital admissions, and one-year survival. The study is expected to generate valuable evidence about the link between non-invasive ventilation and diaphragm function, which may contribute to optimizing treatment strategies for COPD patients with advanced respiratory failure.

Post-neurosurgical Respiratory Muscle Dysfunction

Respiratory muscle dysfunction may contribute to the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. However, it prevalence in patients receiving neurosurgery is largely unknown. Therefore, in present study, respiratory muscle function (measured by the ultrasound) and their correlation with the post-operative pulmonary complications will be analyzed.

The Relationship Between Pes Planus, Diaphragm, Postural Control, and Plantar Pressure

Our primary aim is to compare diaphragm function (resting thickness, activity/resting thickness ratio indicating contractility), postural control, and plantar pressure between individuals with pes planus and healthy controls without pes planus.

A Chart Review to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for the Treatment of Diaphragmatic Paralysis

A retrospective chart review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis.