Imaging lung ventilation by MRI of fluorocarbon gases
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Imaging lung ventilation by MRI of fluorocarbon gases
IRAS ID
69343
Contact name
Peter Thelwall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Officer
Research summary
In this project we will develop and test novel methods for safe, repeatable, non-invasive imaging of lung ventilation. We will develop a new method to image gases in lungs using an MRI scanner. Study participants will inhale an inert gas (a fluorocarbon gas called perfluoropropane), which will be mixed with oxygen to allow safe inhalation without risk of asphyxiation. Gas inhalation will be performed whilst the study participants are lying in an MRI scanner, so that images can be acquired of gas entering and leaving the lungs over the respiratory cycle.
The primary aim of the study is to demonstrate that this method can be used to successfully generate images of lung ventilation in humans. The secondary aim of the study is to develop improved MRI methods for optimal acquisition of lung ventilation data. The tertiary aim of the study is to test repeatability and reproducibility of the method.
If successful, our study will lead to a novel lung imaging approach with potential to augment or replace existing lung ventilation measurements that do not provide anatomical data, or that involve the use of radioisotopes or ionising radiation.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/0135
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion