Hyperpolarised Xenon MRI
What is Xenon?
Xenon is a naturally found gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. Our research used Xenon-129 – a naturally occurring, non-radioactive, form of xenon that can be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The xenon undergoes a process called ‘hyperpolarisation’ to make it more useful for imaging purposes. Hyperpolarisation increases the magnetic resonance signal, allowing for higher quality images, and more advanced imaging, than standard clinical techniques such as CT.
We have used hyperpolarised xenon-129 (HP 129Xe) for many years at the Churchill Hospital, and continue to use this technique in various clinical studies. Xenon is inhaled safely into the lungs, and allows us to measure very small changes in lung structure and function.
Oxford Radiology Research Unit 