Xenon MRI, an innovative technology with the potential to revolutionize the way lung diseases are evaluated, is now being offered by MU Health Care. This makes MU Health Care just the second hospital in the U.S. to use this technology, which allows providers to better assess conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
Xenon MRI works similarly to traditional MRI scans, using magnets to align the body’s atoms for imaging. However, while traditional MRI focuses on hydrogen atoms in water within body tissue, it is not as effective at imaging the lungs, which are filled with air. Xenon MRI addresses this issue by utilizing hyperpolarized xenon gas, which patients inhale during the scan and hold in their lungs briefly.
The result is a more comprehensive view of the lungs and their function. Clinicians receive detailed 3D images of the lung airspaces, allowing for a better understanding of lung microstructure and gas exchange. This new technology provides a more complete picture of lung health, enabling physicians to make more informed treatment decisions.
Physicians at MU Health Care believe that xenon MRI represents a significant advancement in the field of lung disease treatment. This new technology allows for a more complete and accurate assessment of lung conditions, filling in the gaps that previous imaging methods may have missed. By offering this cutting-edge technology, MU Health Care is at the forefront of the NextGen Precision Health initiative, aiming to drive forward advancements in precision health through collaboration and innovation.
