Speaker
Prof.
Sam BAYAT
(Univerisité de Grenoble Alpes)
Description
Elucidating the 3D structure and real-time function of the lung at small length scales in vivo, is one of the most challenging applications of synchrotron radiation in biomedical imaging. Much of the current knowledge on lung function at small length scales is based on theoretical predictions, and there is a need for direct measurements. Dynamic measurements allowing the study of regional lung function, with methods using synchrotron radiation such as K-edge subtraction imaging are crucial for better understanding of phenomena such as gas transport and exchange, adverse effects of mechanical ventilation on the lung and strategies to prevent them, aerosol transport and deposition, among many others. K-edge subtraction imaging, allows direct quantification of the distributions of inhaled contrast elements such as stable Xenon (Xe) gas, or perfused iodine and gadolinium, allowing the study of regional distributions of lung ventilation and perfusion. This technique has the advantage of allowing simultaneous assessment of regional lung structure. On the other hand, the coherence of synchrotron beams allows phase-contrast imaging of poor radiation-absorbing lung tissue, giving access to structural details. Real-time imaging of lung function is highly challenging at small length-scales. There is currently a trade-off between spatial and temporal resolutions, and both are difficult to achieve simultaneously. In vivo synchrotron radiation imaging also faces limitations due to radiation dose. Improvements in the available detector technology, allowing for significant gains in spatial resolution, efficiency, dynamic range, energy resolution as well as temporal resolution will be crucial for overcoming these limitations. Examples demonstrating the translational capability of in vivo synchrotron imaging in investigating lung diseases will be discussed.
