Ronan Smith, a postdoctoral research fellow at Adelaide University, has been awarded the prestigious Physics in Medicine & Biology (PMB) Early Career Researcher Award for his groundbreaking work in X-ray velocimetry (XV). This award recognizes the best paper in PMB's 2025 Early Career Researcher Focus Collection, and Smith's research has made significant contributions to the field of lung imaging and treatment.
In his award-winning paper, "Visualising ventilation changes following endobronchial valve placement with x-ray velocimetry functional lung imaging," Smith explores the potential of XV to detect changes in lung function after endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion. EBVs are used to treat emphysema, a condition that damages lung air sacs, making breathing difficult. Smith's research demonstrates how XV can non-invasively measure regional and local airflow changes, providing a more accurate assessment of EBV placement's clinical impact.
The study involved a pilot on healthy sheep, which have similar lung sizes to humans. XV imaging, combined with fluoroscopic videos and breath-hold CT scans, allowed researchers to track lung motion and create 3D maps of local ventilation. The key finding was that XV could visualize and quantify reduced airflow in areas downstream of the valves, even in regions where CT scans showed no collapse. This technology has the potential to improve treatment options for emphysema patients by aiding in better valve placement and verification.
Smith's work has sparked further interest in XV imaging, including a clinical trial in children with cystic fibrosis. The trial aims to assess the feasibility of using XV in pediatric patients and enhance clinical decision-making. Additionally, Smith is exploring dark-field X-ray imaging, another novel method, as an early-career researcher.
The PMB Early Career Researcher Award is a significant recognition for Smith, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of clinicians, scientists, and the preclinical imaging facility staff. It highlights the impact of his research and serves as a testament to the importance of continued funding for innovative medical physics projects.
