Spontaneous vs Controlled Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, a life-threatening condition that often requires mechanical ventilation. The optimal ventilation strategy in this patient population remains uncertain. The SVALBARD trial is a feasibility and pilot study designed to compare spontaneous versus controlled mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemia respiratory failure. The primary objective is to assess the feasibility of the study procedures and interventions, while also collecting descriptive data on key clinical variables to inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial.