October 13, 2008 - Vibration response imaging (VRI) allows better evaluation of lung volume regional variations after chest lobectomy compared to functional respiratory tests, according to data presented by Professor Roberto Bossi at the 18th European Respiratory Society Congress last week.
The study measured the effectiveness of VRI for the evaluation of lung function compared to functional respiratory tests, before and after thoracic surgery.
“The advantages having a noninvasive, patient's effort independent, easy to handle and readily available imaging modality for pulmonology are numerous,” said Bossi. “A big benefit is that I can monitor and measure the gain or loss of lung function after chest surgery better than functional respiratory test.”
In addition, Deep Breeze Ltd., a developer of pulmonary imaging technology VRI, has launched a strategic program to include the VRIxp as an integral part of the guidelines for physiologic evaluation of patients with lung cancer being considered for resectional surgery.
The feasibility of this program is currently being investigated by M.D. Anderson. The leading investigator of this program Professor Rodolfo Morice, who indicated, "Predictions of postoperative lung function are crucial to maximize the number of patients that can benefit from surgery and identify patients with such poor respiratory reserve that lung resection would result in an unacceptable quality of life. These preoperative evaluations currently require radionuclide tests of ventilation and perfusion that require administration of radioactive isotopes and not always readily available.”
Deep Breeze is planning to market the VRIxp across Europe to Hospitals that conduct lung resection for patients with lung cancer. The initial launch took place in Spain in September and the company will expand their activities to other European countries by the end of 2008.
For more information: www.deepbreeze.com