The
aim of my current work is to identify the physiological changes
in the lung that may lead to observed ventilation dysfunction.
Asthmatic lungs are imaged using hyperpolarized helium MRI
and the ventilation distribution within the lung is computed to
visualize ventilation defects. Research efforts are focused on
characterizing the constriction pattern within the airway tree
that leads to a particular ventilation defect size. Analysis is
performed using the Image Functional
Modeling software to manipulate the branches
in the airway tree and then ultimately calculate flow and ventilation
to the terminal airways. Preliminary studies have been to examine
the effect of single airway closures, noting the generation of
the closed airway and the defect size created.
REU Abstract
REU Poster
REU Abstract
REU Poster
©
2004 Boston University's Respiratory and Physiological Systems Identification
Laboratory
Human
Lung (top left) from Tawhai et al. 2000
