4DMedical highlighted its unique technology for imaging respiratory function at the RSNA 2024 meeting. And the company is using a novel virtual reality environment to demonstrate its XV Scanner, as we learn in this Imaging Wire Show interview by Brian Casey with Greg Mogel, MD, and Tom Harris.
…from The Imaging Wire interview
[Brian Casey]: Greg, you’ve been on the show before, and we’ve had your founder Andreas Fouras on before, but can you give us an update on what 4DMedical does and where you currently stand?
[Dr Greg Mogel]: Sure, Brian. As a reminder, 4DMedical has the largest portfolio of dedicated lung functional and structural imaging technologies. We use technologies ranging from AI to mathematical modeling, focusing on pulmonary health. Respiratory health remains one of the least understood areas, and in imaging still lacks quantification similar to what neurologic and cardiac imagers have achieved.
We’ve had a big year of growth in the US and internationally. We completed our acquisition of Imbio, which has a successful portfolio of quantitative CT imaging tools. This rounds out our existing functional measures, showing how lungs work, air flow, and ventilation, combined with world-leading quantitative imaging applications.
We’ve pushed further into the lung cancer screening field, identifying early undiagnosed COPD, coronary artery calcifications, and more.
We’ve developed a reseller agreement with Philips, and we’ll be having a joint talk with them at RSNA, particularly focusing on veteran healthcare.
We are a veteran-oriented company, with 40% of our US staff being military veterans. With the successful lung cancer screening program at the Veterans Administration, and the expansion possibilities, we’re excited to be in partnership with them and Philips. We see this creating major population health impacts.
Finally, we’ve always sought to create a bespoke imaging modality specifically for lung function, completely novel in what it can achieve. We’ve had the device at RSNA and have a lot of advancements in that area to share today…
…[Brian Casey]: Regarding your RSNA demonstration, you’re employing a novel approach. Tom, how are you demonstrating the hardware scanner?
[Tom Harris]: We’ve opted for a virtual reality environment, providing an immersive, focused experience, demonstrating our device’s thoughtful design. In VR, visitors will get a deep understanding of the scanner’s non-intimidating experience.
[Brian Casey]: Now with the headset on, in this virtual environment, Greg, these color-coded images, are they actual images from the system?
[Dr Greg Mogel]: Yes, these images represent true lung ventilation patterns using color coding.
[Brian Casey]: Let’s approach and examine the scanner. Tom, describe this hardware.
[Tom Harris]: This scanner, our second generation, has four beam lines capturing a simultaneous breath. Key advantages exist, including scanning pediatric populations. Our internal development includes Robo-lung—our dynamic phantom representing human lung functions for better development.
[Brian Casey]: Greg, another feature to highlight?
[Dr Greg Mogel]: Yes, the patient view. This shows the openness and non-claustrophobic feel, creating a comforting experience, displaying entertainment or information, allowing quick, high-throughput environments. We invite everyone to try the virtual experience at our booth.