Advanced respiratory monitoring, imaging and treatment

Our vision for exceptional respiratory care is driven by a commitment to addressing major global health challenges and a resolve to enhance treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients. We revolutionise respiratory healthcare, improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and shape the future of chronic respiratory disease management through continuous innovation.

Dedicated to transforming the care of patients with chronic respiratory diseases; by collaborating closely with industry partners, integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative treatment strategies.

Theme target areas:

1
Advanced physiological biomarkers for home monitoring in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2
AI-based CT lung vasculature imaging for disease prognostication and progression in pulmonary thromboembolism / pulmonary hypertension subclasses.
3
App-based technologies and implantable pulmonary artery pressure monitors for home exercise testing, activity monitoring and drug titration in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
4
Physiology-based technical engineering in devices to improve long-term outcome in sleep-disordered breathing and chronic respiratory failure.

Leads

Headshot of Dr Colm McCabe

Dr Colm McCabe

Theme Lead
Dr Colm McCabe is the Theme Lead of Advanced Respiratory Monitoring, Imaging and Treatment. Colm is a consultant respiratory physician with expertise in all forms of pulmonary vascular disease and was appointed to a substantive consultant position at the Royal Brompton Hospital, now part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in 2016. His research focuses on translational studies in pulmonary hypertension which include cardiovascular haemodynamic assessment and deployment of novel health technologies geared toward improving patient outcomes.
Dr McCabe is a current member of the ESC working group on the pulmonary circulation and right ventricle also recently co-editing a book on the contemporary management of pulmonary embolism. He holds active research grants in early translational interventional studies of pulmonary vascular disease, which include deployment of remote monitoring, AI solutions and enhanced physiological measurement of pulmonary vascular function informing mechanisms of drug effect on functional response. A key aim within advanced respiratory monitoring is the improved application of digital endpoints, leading to improvement in the patient trial experience.
Headshot of Professor Nicholas Hart

Professor Nicholas Hart

Co-Theme Lead
Professor Nick Hart is the Co-Theme Lead of Advanced Respiratory Monitoring, Imaging and Treatment. He is a Professor of respiratory and critical care medicine, at the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London. He holds the position of Director of the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Respiratory Research Unit (Lane Fox Respiratory Service), where he focuses on advancing clinical research and improving patient care for respiratory conditions. His expertise encompasses a wide range of interests, including respiratory physiology, sleep medicine, and the development of innovative medical technologies.
Nick is also the Director of research and development delivery, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Joint editor-in-chief, Thorax. He is involved in various collaborative projects that aim to enhance the delivery of respiratory care and improve patient outcomes. His work has contributed to the integration of digital health solutions in clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to healthcare.

In addition to his clinical and research roles, he actively participates in teaching and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in respiratory medicine. Nick’s contributions to the field are recognized nationally and internationally, and he has published numerous research articles and papers on various aspects of respiratory health.
Our Research

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) affects approximately 1% of the global population and is a serious, often underdiagnosed condition. Despite advancements in treatment, there remains an unmet need for therapies targeting specific subgroups of PH, as certain forms still lack licensed treatment options. For those diagnosed with PH, the condition is progressive, and the median survival rate is estimated to be 6-7 years, even with current available treatments. This highlights the urgent need for further research and development of effective therapies to improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals living with PH.

 

Diagram - Pulmonary hypertension: This diagram shows a visual representation of pulmonary arteries, showing vascocontriction and advanced vascular lesion, followed by the following process. Step 1: Risk factors and association conditions to Susceptibility to Step 2: Vascular Injury to Step 3: Disease progression.

The synergy between healthcare professionals and industry will drive the development of personalised care solutions, real-time disease monitoring, and more effective treatment approaches.

Eliminate the burden of lung disease

Eliminating the burden of lung disease requires a multi-faceted approach focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and the development of novel treatments. Lung disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, yet it remains under-researched and under-funded, limiting progress in addressing this growing health challenge. This underinvestment presents a significant opportunity for development, as advancements in research and treatment could lead to substantial improvements in patient outcomes and potentially save millions of lives. With the right focus and funding, we can make substantial strides in reducing the impact of lung diseases.