FCV vs VCV in Obstructive and Asthmatic Patients

Rationale: Patients with an exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) on the intensive care unit (ICU) have a mortality rate between 10 and 20%. This mortality rate is largely explained by major complications associated with mechanical ventilation e.g., pneumothorax, cardiovascular collapse and pneumonia. Complications are the result of dynamic hyperinflation that forms the cornerstone in the pathophysiology of both diseases. The diameter of the smaller airways decreases because of inflammation, bronchospasm, mucus (asthma) and the loss of elastic recoil by emphysema (COPD). This leads in particular to a high airway resistance during expiration and the residue of tidal volume in the lung when the next inspiration begins. The result is dynamic hyperinflation with a continuously increasing lung volume with high pressures, pneumothorax (barotrauma) and hemodynamic collapse as a result. During CMV (pressure- or volume controlled ventilation; PCV or VCV) only the inspiration is controlled while expiration is passive, possibly leading to airway collapse and further dynamic hyperinflation. Besides, both ventilation modes are accompanied by high flow rates leading to a further increase in airway resistance and ventilation pressures. Flow controlled ventilation (FCV) is a mechanical ventilation method that uses a relatively low and constant flow during both inspiration and expiration, thereby decreasing airway resistance and preventing airway collapse during expiration. Besides, FCV has shown to have a higher ventilation efficiency measured by a decrease in minute volume at stable arterial partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). This makes FCV a very interesting ventilation mode in intubated patients with an exacerbation of asthma or COPD, possibly decreasing the amount of dynamic hyperinflation and complications in these patients. Although FCV is widely used for hypoxic respiratory failure on the ICU so far no studies have been performed in asthma or COPD patients.

We hypothesize that FCV in intubated patients with an exacerbation of asthma or COPD results in a lower minute volume (MV) and decreased end-inspiratory lung volume (EILV) as a measurement for dynamic hyperinflation compared to VCV.

Objectives: To study the effect of FCV on the MV and EILV compared to VCV.

Study design: Physiological pilot study with a randomized crossover design comparing FCV and VCV.

Study population: Patients with an asthma/COPD exacerbation ≥18 years old receiving CMV.

Intervention: Patients are mechanically ventilated with VCV at baseline. Upon inclusion the EIT-belt and an esophageal balloon are placed to assess the EILV and transpulmonary pressures respectively. Besides, patients are randomized between the sequence of ventilation mode, namely 90 minutes of VCV followed by 90 minutes of FCV or 90 minutes of FCV followed by 90 minutes of VCV. When VCV is switched to FCV the same mechanical ventilator settings are used as in the VCV mode. After half an hour on FCV the PEEP, drivingpressure and flow of FCV are optimized based on the highest compliance and lowest flow matching with a stable PaCO2. VCV is always set according to standard of care. Total time of measurements / study time is 180 minutes.

Main study parameters/endpoints: Primary endpoint is the difference in minute volume after 90 minutes on FCV compared to after 90 minutes of VCV. An important secondary endpoint is the difference in EILV after 30 minutes on FCV compared to after 30 minutes of VCV.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: All patients are sedated and on CMV, therefore there will be no discomfort for the patient. FCV has been successfully applied during surgery and on the ICU and the patient will be monitored continuously so the clinical team can act directly in case of any adverse event. Lung volume is measured with EIT, a non-invasive, radiation-free monitoring tool. Transpulmonary pressures are measured with an esophageal balloon that is placed in a similar manor as a nasogastric feeding tube. Therefore, overall the risks of this study are limited.