Imaging Approaches

MRI has been shown to be useful in providing both anatomical and functional information with no radiation exposure. In particular, SickKids has developed a new program in lung MRI using hyperpolarized gas.

Hyperpolarized Gas MRI

Santyr lab is developing a new approach using an inhaled safe gas, hyperpolarized 129Xe, providing novel opportunities for imaging research. 129Xe is an inert contrast agent that can be visualized using MRI following inhalation, allowing structural and functional lung imaging.

Untitled

Proton MRI

Santyr Lab is developing new techniques to improve upon conventional proton MRI quality and visualization

Fluorinated Gas MRI

Thermally polarized gases, such as fluorinated gas, present different advantages compared to Xe-MRI. Santyr lab is developing approaches with 19F-MRI to probe slower ventilation dynamics and compare hyperpolarized gas MRI.

Disease Models

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most prevalent lung diseases in Canada, and represents a major burden on the heathcare system. Our lab is developing novel imaging techniques which allow for regional assessment of the disease.

Lung Injury

Lung injury usually presents after trauma to the lung, for example radiation or prolonged mechanical ventilation. Our research focuses on the evaluation of structural and functional changes in the lung following lung injury.

CF2

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disorder in children and has no known cure. A better understanding of this disorder would allow for improved therapeutic approaches. Our lab uses novel imaging techniques for longitudinal studies of CF.

Thank you to our funding partners!