Dynamic Analysis of Respiratory Movement

Three-dimensional depiction of a vector field representing a portion of lung motion during the respiratory cycle. The original image data is shown as textures on the image planes. | © dkfz.de

In the course of numerous lung diseases, and following therapy, a reduction in respiratory motion and thus restricted pulmonary function is observed. New imaging techniques have recently provided non-invasive methods for depicting these changes. Investigations of the respiratory motion of organs of the thorax over time represent a new field of research in this area. Such studies serve as the basis for providing suitable answers to a number of relevant medical issues. By way of example, the analysis of tumor motion during the respiratory cycle provides valuable information for optimizing radiation therapy plans.

The aim of the project is to establish the technical basis for analyzing respiratory motion using 3D+t magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. To this end, one of the approaches currently being followed is to define vector fields that approximately reflect the motion of lung parenchyma during the respiratory cycle. The analysis of the vector fields permits conclusions about the movement, within a local area, and deformation of tissue. When coded onto a color map, this information may be used, for instance, to track how successful a therapy is over time.

Project manager