Xenon MRI to Evaluate Changes to Lung Function Following Bronchoscopic Treatment of Air Trapping in Emphysema
The objective of this study is to provide a regional, mechanistic characterization of pulmonary ventilation changes following treatment with the Apreo BREATHE System, using hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe MRI, in BREATHE-3 participants. BREATHE-Xe is designed to generate mechanistic signals regarding whether airway scaffolds reduce ventilation defects, improve gas exchange, and correlate with CT and spirometric/plethysmographic changes observed in BREATHE-3. Findings support mechanistic interpretation and future hypothesis generation.
• Enrolled and randomized in BREATHE-3 to the Treatment arm or enrolled as a Control arm participant who has elected crossover treatment following BREATHE-3 Month 12.
• Separate written BREATHE-Xe informed consent obtained prior to any sub-study procedures.
• Able to perform coached breath-hold maneuvers of ≥10 seconds, as assessed by the site investigator.
• Willing and able to travel to KUMC or UAB for all scheduled Xe-MRI sessions.
• Eligible for MRI per local MRI safety screening, with no contraindications to MRI.