MU Health Care is now the second hospital in the U.S. to offer lung scans using xenon MRI, a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform how lung diseases are evaluated. Xenon MRI works similarly to traditional MRI scans, but instead of focusing on hydrogen atoms in water within body tissue, it utilizes 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.
