4D Lung Health Scanner

A revolutionary 4D scanner developed by 4DMedical is being tested as part of research project lead by Associate Professor David Parson to enhance the diagnosis of lung disease for billions of people globally, especially children. The new scanner has been used to assist with the management of several lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma and even COVID-19, establishing Australia at the forefront of lung science. 

Their team of experts across respiratory medicine, animal models, physics, computing, and aerospace engineering developed a breakthrough medical imaging method for lungs called X-ray Velocimetry (XV). XV uses very low radiation doses safe for children to precisely measure airflow throughout the lungs by tracking lung tissue motion in 3-D.

XV allows for young children to access an advanced level of detailed lung function measurement for the first time; current lung diagnostic tests only give global measures of lung airflow, and cannot be performed in children under the age of six. Trials of XV suitability for children living with CF have begun in Adelaide, and its use is expected to lead to earlier diagnosis of CF lung disease establishing, personalised and targeted region treatments, and enhanced monitoring of disease progression and treatment effects.

Led by Australian company 4DMedical, A/Prof Parsons and his team were awarded $29 million by the MRFF Frontiers Grant Initiative, and his team has received co-funding from government and philanthropic partners that has established the core research XV imaging equipment at SAHMRI.

Known as The Cystic Fibrosis Lung Health Imaging project, it was recently awarded the Aspire Scholarship Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research at the 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, honouring excellence across the areas of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement, and school science.

The Eureka Prizes are presented annually in partnership with some of the nation's leading scientific institutions, government organisations, universities and corporations. They aim to raise the profile of science and science engagement in the community by celebrating outstanding achievement.

This story is published as part of the "15th Anniversary Celebration" series of the Robinson Research Institute. Highlighting the achievements and life-changing breakthroughs of our research teams.