EPOC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Symptomatic treatment of excessive dynamic airway collapse using portable Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
IRAS ID
194787
Contact name
Nicholas Hart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) are terms used to describe an abnormal narrowing of the trachea and the main airways when breathing out. This narrowing can be cause by several underlying diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), polychondritis or can be of unknown cause.\nThis abnormal narrowing is defined by an occlusion of more than 50% of the normal diameter of main airways on expiration. This collapse of the main airways causes breathlessness. These symptoms are particularly important on exertion. Currently, the management of patients with TBM or EDAC consists of treatment of any of their underlying respiratory diseases.\nFor patients that remain symptomatic, surgery and airway stenting can be considered. The aims of these treatments are to prevent the airway from collapsing.\nUnfortunately, both of these treatments are at risk of complications such as\ninfections.\nFor several years, patients with chronic respiratory failure have been treated by non invasive ventilation (NIV). NIV consists in a ventilator that is connected to the patient through a mask. The ventilator produces an airflow that generates a pressure that keeps the airway open. Until recently, these ventilators were heavy and had to be connected to a power line. Therefore, they are not suitable for an ambulatory use such as on exertion. Hence, this type of ventilator cannot be used when patients with TBM or EDAC are the most symptomatic. Recently a new type of ventilator with a built-in battery that weight only 0.5 kg (1lb) has been developed. This study will explore if a portable ventilator could be used on exertion in patients with TBM or EDAC in order to improve their symptoms and improve their daytime activity.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0028
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion