Imaging the lungs and nose using high-resolution technology

Imaging of Human Epithelial Airway Using a High Resolution Micro OCT Catheter (Functional Anatomic Imaging of CF Patients With Early Lung Disease Using Micro OCT)

University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT03256773

This study is testing a new imaging technology to see if it can help us understand lung and nose problems in people with cystic fibrosis compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT03256773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to utilize high-resolution optical coherence tomography (µOCT) to create detailed images of the lungs and nasal passages in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls. The goal is to enhance understanding of the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis, which is crucial for developing new therapies. By capturing real-time cross-sectional images of the airway surfaces, researchers hope to identify features that contribute to lung disease progression. This innovative imaging technique may provide insights that lead to novel treatment strategies for respiratory conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis aged 14 and older, as well as healthy individuals without respiratory disease.

Not a fit: Patients with recent respiratory infections or significant nasal surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other respiratory studies, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
THE INCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Patients diagnosed with CF or healthy normal controls with no respiratory disease
* Patients must be over the age of 14
* Patient must be able to give informed consent

THE EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

* Patients with recent respiratory infection requiring antibiotics or corticosteroids in the last 4 weeks (excluding routine perioperative antibiotics)
* Patients with major sinus surgery that will alter the nasal anatomy and preclude imaging of the nares
* Any condition that in the opinion of the investigator will alter the safety of pilot testing in the operating room
* Female subjects who are pregnant

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, PCD - Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Covid19, Sinusitis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.