Low and very-low-field 3D magnetic resonance spirometry for advanced regional exploration of respiratory diseases

Introduction

Lung function is a central concern in the fight against COVID-19. Beyond the pandemic, heavy losses and long-term health implications, respiratory diseases represent a major threat for the World Health Organisation. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, associated with our way of living and impacting all of society.

Current Diagnostic Tools

Current tools for diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary conditions are hindered by:

• Poor sensitivity (lung function tests)
• Radiation exposure (computed tomography)
• Examination cost (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI)

These tools fail to fully assess lung structure and function.

Project Overview

V|LF-Spiro3D aims at democratizing newly developed and breakthrough 3D MR spirometry with high performance, low-cost MRI techniques. The project seeks to provide a ten-minute morphofunctional MRI protocol to engage patients in a safer, easier, and more comfortable way.

Collaboration and Expertise

Based on recent works at Universities Paris-Saclay and Aberdeen, V|LF-Spiro3D collaborates with:

• Leading MR manufacturer Siemens
• SME NMR Service
• Major French-Dutch hospitals
• Patient organizations

This initiative brings together multidisciplinary experts in a patient-oriented approach for both adults and children.

Technological Innovations

V|LF-Spiro3D will redesign current MRI architecture to perform 3D MR spirometry at low and very low field. Key developments include:

1. High-performance MRI hardware
2. Accelerated acquisitions
3. Coupled reconstruction strategies relying on deep learning

Biomechanical lung modeling and deep data processing will be guided by the implementation of 3D MR spirometry in clinical facilities. This will produce unprecedentedly large sets of normative and training data covering six major respiratory diseases.

Goals and Impact

By prioritizing both technology transfer and innovation, V|LF-Spiro3D aims to build a one-stop-shop imaging standard for unrestricted assessment of lung pathophysiology. The impacts are expected to yield benefits beyond lung imaging and boost health deep-tech in point-of-care imaging and multi-parameter-based digital health in the EU.