RecruitingInterventional

Exploring the effects of identifying abnormal air flow between lung areas in patients with COPD, using hyperpolarised xenon MRI

This study investigates a new type of MRI scan, using a special gas called xenon, for people with severe COPD. The aim is to see if this scan can help doctors identify patients who will most benefit from a treatment that uses small valves (called Endobronchial Valves or EBVs) to improve their breathing. EBVs work by helping to deflate damaged parts of the lung, but they don't always work if there's hidden airflow in other areas. The special xenon MRI might be able to detect this hidden airflow more effectively. Researchers hope this new scan technique will help decide who is a good candidate for EBV treatment, making the treatment more successful for more people. Participants will have two visits to Oxford, including questionnaires and the new MRI scan, over a period of 6 months.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

26 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

26 Feb 2027

Ventilation in endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion for lung volume reduction therapy (LVRT)

What is this study about?

Imagine your lungs are like balloons with some damaged parts. For people with a lung condition called COPD, sometimes doctors can place tiny valves (called Endobronchial Valves, or EBVs) into the airways. These valves help to deflate the most damaged parts of the lung, which can make it easier to breathe for some people.

However, these valves don't always work as well as hoped. This can happen if there's 'hidden' airflow moving around the damaged lung areas, which doctors call 'collateral ventilation'. If this hidden airflow is present, the valves might not be able to do their job properly. Currently, it's quite difficult to always spot this hidden airflow before treatment.

This study is looking at a new way to find this hidden airflow using a special type of MRI scan. It uses a safe gas called xenon that you breathe in during the scan. The researchers want to find out if this new scanning method, called HPX-MRI, is better at detecting this hidden airflow. If it is, it could help doctors choose the right patients for EBV treatment, making the treatment more successful for more people in the future.

Key takeaways

This study uses a new MRI scan with special gas to improve COPD treatment.
It aims to find hidden airflow that affects lung valve treatment success.
Participation involves two visits to Oxford over 6 months.
No direct benefit, but could help future patients with COPD.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).
You can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and have been diagnosed with COPD. You must also be someone who is currently being considered for, or has recently been assessed for, the EBV treatment to help with your breathing.

This includes two main groups: one group of patients who have been planned to receive the EBV treatment because they don't seem to have the hidden airflow; and another group who have been told they can't have the EBV treatment, possibly due to this hidden airflow.

However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study. You also can't take part if you can't lie flat for a scan, or if you have certain metal implants or a pacemaker that prevent you from having an MRI scan.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of COPD?
Are you being considered for EBV treatment?
Are you able to lie flat for a scan?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker or metal implants that prevent an MRI scan?
Are you *not* pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would visit the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust twice over a 6-month period. These visits would be before and after your treatment (if you are in the group getting the EBVs).

At each visit, after giving your written consent, you would: fill in some questionnaires about your health and symptoms; have a special MRI scan where you would breathe in safe xenon gas. You might also be asked to repeat some lung function tests or a CT scan that you may have already had as part of your usual assessment for EBV treatment.

Researchers will also use information from your medical records, but only the details needed for this study. The study itself will run from January 2025 to December 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits from taking part in this study. However, your contribution could help doctors better understand how to use EBV treatment for future patients. MRI scans are generally very safe, but they are not suitable for everyone, especially those with pacemakers or certain metal implants. Breathing in the xenon gas is also considered safe, though it might briefly make your voice sound deeper or make you feel a little lightheaded for less than a minute. If you need an extra CT scan, it involves a small amount of radiation. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

John Radcliffe Hospital
Approximate
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a common lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe.

What are Endobronchial Valves (EBVs)?

They are small, one-way valves placed inside airways to help deflate damaged parts of the lung, making breathing easier for some people with COPD.

What is 'collateral ventilation'?

This is a medical term for 'hidden' airflow that moves around damaged lung areas, which can sometimes stop EBV treatment from working well.

Is the xenon gas safe?

Yes, breathing in the xenon gas is safe. You might briefly notice your voice sounds deeper or feel a little lightheaded for less than a minute.

Will I get the EBV treatment if I join the study?

Not necessarily. The study includes people already planned to have EBV treatment, and those who have been assessed but it was decided they couldn't have it.

How to find out more

Avianna Laws

Avianna.Laws@ouh.nhs.uk +44 (0)1865 (2)26116 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.