# Point of Care Lung CT for Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure

> **NIH NIH R44** · XORAN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC · 2022 · $971,120

## Abstract

Abstract
Point of Care Lung CT for patients with Acute Respiratory Failure
Two million patients develop acute respiratory failure requiring hospitalization in the US each
year, with half requiring mechanical ventilation and more than 20% dying before discharge.
Identifying underlying pulmonary pathologies in these patients is essential to ensuring they
receive the right treatment, but standard chest imaging, a portable chest X-ray exam, poorly
discriminates important pulmonary pathology in patients receiving invasive mechanical
ventilation. Computed Tomography (CT) can identify pneumonia, pleural effusion, and/or
pulmonary embolism (with contrast load) that may otherwise go undetected. Yet the risks and
burden of moving critically ill patients to a conventional CT scanner is a significant barrier to
safely performing CT in this population. A “point-of-care” CT scanner in the intensive care unit
(ICU) would transform how care is provided to these patients. However, a portable device that is
compact and low radiation yet capable of thoracic CT imaging does not currently exist.
In this SBIR Phase II project, Xoran intends to develop and clinically validate a compact, mobile
yet highly functional system to provide point of care thoracic CT images suitable for use in
hospital ICUs and also deployable to field hospitals or other frontline settings. This effort builds
on a previously commercialized compact and portable flat-panel CT technology for cranial
applications, and leverages significant progress made in imaging capabilities for soft tissue
structures in the brain and a prototype portable and compact open gantry mechanism intended
for spine imaging. The project includes expansion of imaging capabilities using larger format
detectors operating at fast frame rates in order to capture the larger volume of the lungs within
the constraints of a patients breathing cycle. Self-shielding and self-disinfecting features will be
incorporated to maximize safety and optimize workflows. Clinical evaluation will take place at
the University of Michigan. Partnering with a team of Pulmonary and Critical Care physicians,
thoracic radiology, and ICU nursing leadership, it will then establish the safety and clinical utility
of point-of-care Thoracic CT system in support of FDA 510k submission leading to an approved
indication for use and commercially viable product.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10518890
- **Project number:** 4R44HL158452-02
- **Recipient organization:** XORAN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** William Charles VanKampen
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $971,120
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2021-09-17 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10518890

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10518890, Point of Care Lung CT for Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure (4R44HL158452-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10518890. Licensed CC0.

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