Flow-controlled Ventilation (FCV) in Moderate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Due to COVID-19

Flow-controlled Ventilation (FCV) in Moderate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Due to COVID-19 - an Interventional Cross-over Study

Flow controlled ventilation (FCV) is a fairly new mode of mechanical ventilation, consisting of a constant inspiratory and expiratory flow. Inspiration is thus comparable to volume controlled ventilation (VCV). The actively controlled, constant flow during expiration is unique. FCV is known to minimize dissipated energy to the lung [ref] and is therefore supposed to aid in lung protective ventilation.

The VICAR study is designed as a prospective single cohort crossover trial. The intervention consists of a sequence of respiratory modes: baseline pressure controlled ventilation (PCV) during 5 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of FCV with an evone respirator (Ventinova Medical B.V., Eindhoven, The Netherlands) and eventually 30 minutes of VCV. Every participant will receive the intervention. Respiratory rate (RR), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inspiratory fraction of oxygen (FiO2) will be held constant. According to the manufacturers guidelines, an I:E ratio of 1:1 will be pursued during FCV. During FCV, the respirator will be set with the same PIP as during baseline PCV. For VCV, the same tidal volume as during baseline PCV will be set.

Inclusion Criteria:

• P/F-ratio: 100-200 (moderate ARDS)
• SpO2 88-94%
• PaO2 60-80 mmHg
• COVID-19 positive on a PCR test

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 40 kg/m²
• Prone ventilation
• Already invasively mechanically ventilated for more than 10 days
• Refusal to participate