Ronan Smith, a postdoctoral research fellow at Adelaide University, has been awarded the prestigious Physics in Medicine & Biology (PMB) Early Career Researcher Award for his groundbreaking work in X-ray velocimetry (XV). This award recognizes the best paper in PMB's 2025 Early Career Researcher Focus Collection, and Smith's research has made significant contributions to the field of lung imaging and treatment.
In his award-winning paper, "Visualising ventilation changes following endobronchial valve placement with x-ray velocimetry functional lung imaging," Smith explores the potential of XV to detect changes in lung function after inserting endobronchial valves (EBVs) for emphysema treatment. EBVs are one-way valves that improve lung function by preventing airflow into damaged areas, and XV imaging offers a non-invasive way to assess their impact.
The study, conducted on healthy sheep, demonstrated XV's ability to visualize and quantify airflow changes post-EBV insertion. This is a significant advancement because traditional CT scans only measure structural changes, which may not correlate with lung function. Smith's research highlights the dynamic nature of the lungs and the importance of tracking airflow changes for accurate treatment assessment.
The XV imaging process involves recording fluoroscopic videos of breaths at various angles, with anatomic positioning provided by CT scans. 4DMedical's XV LVAS software then correlates motion data with CT information to create 3D maps of ventilation, providing valuable insights into airflow patterns.
One of the most exciting findings was that XV imaging could detect airflow changes in regions where CT scans showed no collapse. This suggests that XV has the potential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of lung function, especially in complex cases. Smith's work has opened doors for improved treatment options and better patient outcomes.
Looking ahead, Smith is expanding his research to explore XV's applications in various lung diseases. He is also delving into dark-field X-ray imaging, another novel method with promising results. The world's first pediatric clinical trial of XV imaging is underway, examining its feasibility in children with cystic fibrosis. This work aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for these patients.
Smith's enthusiasm for his research is evident, and the PMB Early Career Researcher Award is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions. This award not only acknowledges his hard work but also serves as a powerful tool to secure funding for future projects. As a physicist in medicine and biology, Smith's work is a testament to the potential of innovative imaging techniques in improving healthcare.
