Radioxenon ventilation studies with disposable apparatus: technique and application.

ABSTRACT

Modification of commercially supplied disposable apparatus for radioxenon ventilation imaging solved several problems occasional poor inhalation of the initial bolus of gas, awkward initiation of the wash-out phase, and building up of pressure against which the patient must exhale in the wash-out phase. Two cases illustrate results of ventilation and perfusion imaging in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary embolism. A third case illustrates results before and after bullectomy, including quantitative data analysis of the wash-out phase. Although long-range economy is possible with permanent equipment, the use of the modified disposable apparatus may be preferable in certain circumstances.