World’s first dedicated lung scanner launched

Patients with lung conditions can now access the world’s first and only dedicated lung scanner.

The technology, developed and built in Australia by global medical technology company 4DMedical, at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, utilises an automated scanning process to produce detailed lung function information in real time.

The XV Scanner is backed by AUS$28.9m in government funding and designed to detect lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis and asthma, earlier and to monitor chronic respiratory conditions more accurately.

Australia’s minister for health and aged care, Greg Hunt, said: “Every Australian should be proud of this ground-breaking Australian-made medical technology platform.

“The development of the XV Scanner is a wonderful example of Australia again punching above its weight in the world of health and medical research.

“Our Government continues to provide unprecedented support to health and medical research, as we back our best and brightest researchers to transform today’s ideas into breakthrough treatments for the patients of tomorrow.”

It will be used by researchers and clinicians from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, including eminent lung health expert Professor Adam Jaffe, who is currently the John Beveridge Professor of Paediatrics at UNSW.

CEO of 4DMedical, Dr Andreas Fouras, described its development as a “transformative moment in lung health history”.