New Lung Imaging Breakthrough Detects Hidden Airway Disease Missed by Traditional Tests
Researchers from Vanderbilt University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Miami, and The Alfred Hospital collaborated on a multi-center study exploring a new approach to lung imaging. Utilizing a technology developed by 4DMedical—X-ray Velocimetry Lung Ventilation Analysis Software (XV LVAS®)—the team analyzed lung function in a diverse group of patients, including U.S. Veterans. Their findings, published in Respiratory Research under the title X-ray velocimetry provides temporally and spatially-resolved biomarkers of lung ventilation in small airways disease, demonstrate that XV LVAS can identify early and subtle forms of small airway disease, often missed by traditional diagnostic tools.
“We’re now able to see the invisible,” said Dr. Bradley Richmond, a pulmonologist and co-lead investigator alongside Dr. Michael Lester. “XV LVAS technology gives us a window into parts of the lung we’ve never been able to assess so precisely before. It could transform care for patients whose symptoms were previously a mystery.”
Historically, tools like spirometry and CT scans have been the standard for evaluating lung health. However, these conventional tests can fail to detect diseases that affect the smallest airways, leaving many patients undiagnosed and without effective treatment options. With 4DMedical’s XV LVAS, clinicians can now upload fluoroscopy scans to a secure platform where the data is analyzed to generate detailed, real-time color maps. These maps visualize airflow throughout different parts of the lung during the breathing cycle and are presented in user-friendly reports designed to fit seamlessly into current clinical systems.
This cutting-edge imaging method provides physicians with a new level of functional detail—spatially and temporally resolved data that supports more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. XV LVAS relies on rapid, low-dose fluoroscopy, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive lung diagnostics.
The study uncovered several key findings. XV LVAS successfully identified ventilation issues in patients—including military veterans—even when traditional lung function tests and CT imaging showed normal results. The software also revealed distinctive airflow patterns associated with early-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects over 15 million Americans. Moreover, the low-radiation procedure offers a safer alternative to more invasive methods like biopsies, helping patients obtain critical insights without unnecessary risk.
By revealing conditions that standard tests may overlook, this technology empowers clinicians to minimize invasive interventions, deliver more precise respiratory care, and better address cases of unexplained shortness of breath. XV LVAS holds promise for improving outcomes in a wide range of patients, from veterans to individuals with early-stage COPD and other undiagnosed respiratory conditions. Already approved for use in both the United States and Australia, the technology is currently being evaluated in expanded clinical studies to further confirm its utility across larger populations.