Breathing in a new way to see lungs: MRI with tracer gases

NCT ID NCT04726618

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested two special gases (hyperpolarized xenon and perfluoropropane) that people inhale to make their lungs show up better on an MRI. The goal was to develop better imaging methods and hardware to get clearer pictures of lung function. The study involved 24 healthy volunteers aged 6 to 75 and focused on improving image quality and comparing the two gases.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Hyperpolarized 129-xenon gas and perfluoropropane gas

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to better, safer ways to image lung function without radiation, helping diagnose lung diseases more accurately.

What could go wrong

This was a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers that was terminated, so results are limited. The techniques may not work as well in people with lung disease.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital for Sick Children

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada