Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) in Patients That Are Undergoing Pulmonary Interventional Procedure

Vibration response imaging (VRI) technology, provides a radiation-free dynamic image of the lung, by visualizing vibration energy emitted during the respiration cycle (lung sounds). Airflow in the lungs during the respiration cycle creates vibrations that propagate through the lung tissue; these vibrations are affected by the structural properties of the lungs and may vary in space, time and frequency. Moreover, any structural alteration, such as a bronchial obstruction or space occupying infiltration, is reflected in a corresponding modification of the vibration response.

As obstructions that occur in airways alter airflow, the VRI may provide additional lung function information prior to treatment for airway obstruction and during follow-up. Moreover, the VRI may provide the physician immediate evaluation of the improvement of air flow distribution, quantitative and qualitative measurements. Furthermore, the VRI is a non-invasive, radiation free procedure which is simple and doesn't require the level of patient effort required for lung function test and other evaluation.

Patients in the age range of 18-85 and consisting of both male and females, who present to the clinic with airway obstruction and who are designated to undergo intervention.

• Dellinger RP, Parrillo JE, Kushnir A, Rossi M, Kushnir I. Dynamic Visualization of Lung Sounds with a Vibration Response Device: A Case Series. Respiration. 2007 Jun 4; [Epub ahead of print]
• Ernst A, Feller-Kopman D, Becker HD, Mehta AC. Central airway obstruction. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2004 Jun 15;169(12):1278-97. Review.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is able to read and understand the Informed Consent Form and he/she will sign the Informed Consent.
• Male or female in the age range of 18-85 years.
• Body Mass Index >20.
• Patient presented with airway obstruction and who are designated to undergo intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chest wall deformity;
• Spine deformity (including severe scoliosis or kyphosis);
• Hirsutism;
• Potentially contagious skin lesion on the back;
• Skin lesion that would interfere with sensor placement;
• Patient is pregnant;
• Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator;