PET / CT equipment quality control system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a PET / CT (positron emission tomography / computed tomography) equipment quality control system, which is used for correcting PET / CT equipment and comprises a correction solution preparation module, the correction solution preparation module comprises an automatic liquid suction and injection device, a uniform mixing device, a bubble remover and a plurality of correction die bodies, the automatic liquid suction and injection device is used for sucking a correction solution and injecting the correction solution into the uniform mixing device, and the automatic liquid suction and injection device is used for sucking the correction solution and injecting the correction solution into the uniform mixing device; the uniform mixing device is used for uniformly mixing the correction solution, the uniformly mixed correction solution flows into the bubble eliminator, the bubble eliminator is used for eliminating bubbles in the correction solution, and the correction solution after the bubbles are eliminated enters a plurality of correction mold bodies; and the plurality of robots are used for conveying the plurality of correction die bodies to designated positions of PET / CT equipment. Full-process operation such as automatic nuclide injection, solution mixing, bubble elimination, solution conveying, correction data acquisition and equipment running state feedback can be realized, and harm of radionuclides to human bodies in the quality control process is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the technical field of quality control of PET / CT equipment, and specifically relates to a quality control system for PET / CT equipment. Background Art

[0002] Quality control of PET / CT equipment is an important guarantee for nuclear medical diagnosis and treatment. Usually, 18 a positron source of F nuclide is used to complete the daily, regular, and irregular quality control test verifications of indicators such as the spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, noise equivalent count rate, accuracy, time-of-flight resolution, calibration factor, and detector operating status of the equipment. These quality control works can provide a scientific basis for the subsequent treatment of patients.

[0003] Currently, the quality control activities of PET / CT equipment still rely on manual operation by operators, resulting in operators being exposed to radioactive substances. Although protective measures such as lead aprons and shielding containers may be taken during the operation, the ionizing radiation hazards brought by radioactive substances are ultimately difficult to completely eliminate, and there are accidental radiation safety hazards such as the dropping of radioactive drugs and accidental negligent violation of operating regulations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of this specification provide a quality control system for PET / CT equipment, which can realize full-process operations such as automatic injection of nuclide, mixing of solution, bubble elimination, transportation of solution, acquisition of calibration data, and feedback of equipment operating status, and avoid the harm of radioactive nuclides to the human body during the quality control process.

[0005] The embodiments of this specification provide the following technical solutions: A quality control system for PET / CT equipment, used for calibrating the PET / CT equipment. The system includes:

[0006] A calibration solution preparation module, which includes an automatic liquid suction and injection device, a mixing device, a de-bubbler, and several calibration phantoms. The automatic liquid suction and injection device is used to suck the calibration solution and inject it into the mixing device. The mixing device mixes the calibration solution. The mixing device is connected to the de-bubbler so that the mixed calibration solution flows into the de-bubbler. The de-bubbler eliminates the bubbles in the calibration solution, and the calibration solution after bubble elimination is filled into several of the calibration phantoms;

[0007] A conveying module, which includes several robots. The several robots are used to convey several of the calibration phantoms to the designated position of the PET / CT equipment.

[0008] Preferably, the calibration solution includes 18 a mixed solution of F nuclide and water.

[0009] Preferably, the system further includes a monitoring module, which includes a monitoring unit for monitoring the running track of the robot.

[0010] Preferably, the monitoring module further includes a control unit for controlling the plurality of robots and the plurality of PET / CT devices.

[0011] Preferably, the robot is wirelessly connected to the PET / CT device.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless connection between the robot and the PET / CT device includes: the robot is connected to the PET / CT device through a WiFi / 5G module.

[0013] Preferably, the number of robots is the same as the number of calibration phantoms.

[0014] Preferably, the number of robots is the same as the number of PET / CT devices.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by at least one of the above technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this specification at least include:

[0016] It can realize full-process operations such as automatically injecting radionuclides, mixing solutions, eliminating bubbles, transporting solutions, obtaining calibration data, and feedbacking the operating status of the equipment, and avoid the harm of radioactive nuclides to the human body during the quality control process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a PET / CT equipment quality control system provided by the present application.

[0019] In the figure, 1. Calibration solution preparation module; 101. Automatic liquid suction and injection device; 102. Mixing device; 103. Bubble remover; 104. Calibration phantom; 2. Conveying module; 3. PET / CT equipment; 4. Monitoring module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] The following describes the implementation modes of the present application through specific specific examples. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The present application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific implementation modes. The details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present application. It should be noted that, without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope protected by the present application.

[0022] It should be noted that the following describes various aspects of the embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. It should be obvious that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any specific structure and / or function described herein is illustrative only. Based on the present application, those skilled in the art should understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number and aspects described herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. In addition, this device can be implemented and this method can be practiced using other structures and / or functions in addition to one or more of the aspects described herein.

[0023] It should also be noted that the drawings provided in the following embodiments only illustrate the basic concept of the present application in a schematic manner. The drawings only show the components related to the present application, rather than being drawn according to the number, shape, and size of the components in actual implementation. The type, quantity, and ratio of each component in its actual implementation can be an arbitrary change, and the component layout type may also be more complex.

[0024] In addition, in the following description, specific details are provided to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the described aspects can be practiced without these specific details.

[0025] Currently, the following main problems exist in the quality control of PET / CT equipment:

[0026] Insufficient radiation hazard control measures in the quality control test link: Currently, the quality control index tests of PET / CT equipment are mainly completed by relevant personnel through close-range operation; however, since positrons interact with the extranuclear electrons of the nuclei of surrounding substances to generate 511KeV annihilation radiation rays, it will inevitably cause varying degrees of harm to the quality control personnel.

[0027] Liquid 18 The preparation process of the18 When preparing a quality control source by mixing the F radionuclide with water, the uniformity of the distribution of the radionuclide in the container, the generation of bubbles, etc. have a great impact on the reliability of the quality control test data.

[0028] Term Explanation: 1. 18 F: Also known as F-18 or fluorine-18. It is an isotope of the fluorine element. Its atomic nucleus is unstable and easily emits positrons, so it is radioactive.

[0029] 2. PET / CT: Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography, positron emission computed tomography. PET-CT integrates PET and CT. PET provides detailed molecular information such as the functions and metabolism of lesions, while CT provides accurate anatomical localization of lesions. A single imaging can obtain tomographic images of all directions of the whole body.

[0030] The following combines the accompanying drawings to illustrate the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, a quality control system for a PET / CT device is used to calibrate the PET / CT device 3. The system includes:

[0032] A calibration solution preparation module 1, which includes an automatic liquid suction and injection device 101, a mixing device 102, a defoamer 103, and a number of calibration phantoms 104. The automatic liquid suction and injection device 101 is used to suck the calibration solution and inject it into the mixing device 102. The mixing device 102 mixes the calibration solution. The mixing device 102 is connected to the defoamer 103 so that the mixed calibration solution flows into the defoamer 103. The defoamer 103 eliminates the bubbles in the calibration solution, and the calibration solution after bubble elimination is filled into a number of the calibration phantoms 104;

[0033] A conveying module 2, which includes a number of robots. The number of robots is used to convey a number of the calibration phantoms 104 to the designated positions of the PET / CT device 3.

[0034] The automatic liquid suction and injection device 101 is responsible for sucking the calibration solution (usually containing 18F radionuclide and water), inject the absorbed calibration solution into the mixing device 102; Mixing device 102: Thoroughly mix the injected calibration solution to ensure the uniform distribution of the radionuclide in the solution; The mixed calibration solution flows into the degassing device 103, and the degassing device 103 eliminates the bubbles in the solution to prevent the bubbles from affecting the reliability of the subsequent quality control test data; The calibration solution after bubble elimination is filled into several calibration phantoms 104, and these calibration phantoms 104 will subsequently be used for the calibration test of the PET / CT device 3. The system is equipped with several robots, and each robot is responsible for transporting one or more calibration phantoms 104. The robot transports the calibration phantoms 104 from the preparation area to the designated position of the PET / CT device 3.

[0035] The data acquisition and analysis process is as follows:

[0036] Start the calibration program: When the calibration phantom 104 is transported to the designated position, the monitoring personnel start the calibration program through the control interface of the PET / CT device 3.

[0037] Data measurement: The PET / CT device 3 measures the calibration phantom 104 to obtain relevant quality control data (such as spatial resolution, sensitivity, etc.).

[0038] Data acquisition and analysis: The robot obtains the measurement data from the PET / CT device 3 through the Wi-Fi / 5G module; The system automatically analyzes and evaluates the data in combination with the built-in algorithm to judge the state of the PET / CT device 3.

[0039] Feedback and adjustment: According to the data analysis results, the system automatically formulates the device state adjustment parameters; The monitoring personnel or the system make necessary adjustments to the PET / CT device 3 according to these parameters to ensure that the image quality meets the requirements.

[0040] Fully automated operation: Realize the full-process automated operation from calibration solution preparation to data acquisition and analysis, reduce manual intervention, and improve work efficiency.

[0041] Avoid radiation damage: The operator does not need to directly contact the radioactive nuclide, effectively avoiding the harm of the radioactive nuclide to the human body during the quality control process.

[0042] Improve the reliability of quality control data: By using the mixing device 102 and the degassing device 103, ensure the uniformity and bubble-free state of the calibration solution, thereby improving the reliability of the quality control test data.

[0043] Support the collaborative work of multiple devices: The system supports the collaborative work of multiple calibration phantoms 104 and robots, can adapt to the calibration requirements of multiple PET / CT devices 3 in the hospital, and further improve the calibration efficiency.

[0044] Intelligent adjustment: Automatically formulate equipment status adjustment parameters according to the data analysis results to achieve intelligent adjustment and optimization of the PET / CT device 3.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, the calibration solution includes 18 a mixture of F radionuclide and water. 18 The F radionuclide (such as 18 F-FDG) is a commonly used radioactive tracer in PET / CT imaging. The calibration solution formed by mixing it with water can simulate the glucose metabolism characteristics in the human body, ensuring that the metabolic signals captured by the device during calibration are highly consistent with the real imaging conditions; by matching the real imaging scenario, the quantitative analysis ability of PET / CT for radioactive distribution can be verified, and the impact of equipment errors on subsequent clinical diagnosis can be reduced. 18 The F radionuclide has a short half-life, which can reduce radioactive residues while meeting the calibration requirements.

[0046] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, the system further includes a monitoring module 4. The monitoring module 4 includes a monitoring unit, and the detection unit is used to monitor the running track of the robot. The monitoring unit ensures that the calibration phantom 104 is accurately transported to the designated imaging area of the PET / CT device 3 by real-time monitoring of the robot's movement track.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, the monitoring module 4 further includes a control unit, and the control unit is used to control a plurality of the robots and a plurality of the PET / CT devices 3. The robot transports the calibration phantom 104 to the designated position of the PET / CT device 3, and the monitoring personnel start the equipment calibration program through the control unit to achieve the calibration operation of the PET / CT device 3.

[0048] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, the robot is wirelessly connected to the PET / CT device 3.

[0049] As Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the wireless connection between the robot and the PET / CT device 3 includes: the robot is connected to the PET / CT device 3 through a WiFi / 5G module. The robot obtains measurement data through the Wi-Fi / 5G module, automatically analyzes and evaluates the data in combination with an algorithm, and formulates state adjustment parameters for the PET / CT device 3 based on this, so that the image quality meets the requirements. The robot establishes a wireless communication connection with the PET / CT device 3 through the built-in Wi-Fi / 5G module. After the PET / CT device 3 completes the calibration program, the robot receives the measurement data transmitted by the device through the Wi-Fi / 5G network. These data include key indicators such as the spatial resolution, sensitivity, scatter fraction, noise equivalent count rate, accuracy, time-of-flight resolution, calibration factor, and detector working status of the device.

[0050] It should be noted that the built-in data processing unit of the robot analyzes the received measurement data using a preset algorithm. These algorithms can identify outliers, trends, and patterns in the data, thereby evaluating the performance indicators of the PET / CT device 3. The analysis process is based on preset evaluation criteria, which are formulated according to industry specifications and clinical requirements and are used to determine whether the image quality and overall performance of the PET / CT device 3 meet the requirements. Based on the results of the data analysis, the robot automatically generates state adjustment parameters for the PET / CT device 3. These parameters are designed to optimize the performance of the device and ensure that the image quality meets the clinical use standards. The robot transmits the generated adjustment parameters back to the PET / CT device 3 through the Wi-Fi / 5G module, and the device automatically adjusts according to these parameters to improve the image quality and overall performance.

[0051] As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, the number of the robots is the same as the number of the calibration phantoms 104; the number of the robots is the same as the number of the PET / CT devices 3. Generally, hospitals have several PET / CT devices 3, so the system supports multiple calibration phantoms 104 and robots to work together to improve the calibration efficiency.

[0052] The following will describe the devices that can be used for the automatic liquid suction and injection device, the mixing device, the degassing device, and several calibration phantoms, so that those skilled in the art can implement them:

[0053] The automatic liquid suction and injection device can adopt the following devices

[0054] Precision peristaltic pump: By precisely controlling the rotation speed and direction of the pump, accurate aspiration and quantitative injection of the calibration solution are achieved, avoiding liquid leakage and errors.

[0055] Syringe pump: Suitable for high-precision liquid transmission, the injection speed and total amount can be set to ensure that the calibration solution is accurately injected into the mixing device.

[0056] The mixing device can be used as follows

[0057] Magnetic stirrer: Use magnetic field to drive magnetic particles to rotate, stirring the solution quickly and evenly to ensure 18 The F nuclide is thoroughly mixed with water.

[0058] Vortex mixer: It generates vortex through high-speed rotation, so that the solution can reach a uniform mixing state in a short time. It is suitable for scenarios that require rapid mixing.

[0059] The debubbler can be equipped with the following devices

[0060] Ultrasonic debubbler: Use ultrasonic vibration to destroy the bubble structure in the liquid, effectively eliminate bubbles in the mixed liquid, and improve the reliability of quality control test data.

[0061] Vacuum debubbler: By creating a vacuum environment, the dissolved gas content in the liquid is reduced, thereby reducing bubble generation. It is suitable for occasions with high requirements for debubbling effects.

[0062] The following devices can be used to calibrate the phantom

[0063] Standard phantoms: Phantoms with known physical and chemical properties are used to simulate the response of human tissue to PET / CT equipment to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of quality control tests.

[0064] Customized phantoms: We design and manufacture phantoms of specific shapes and sizes based on the specifications and testing requirements of specific PET / CT equipment to meet personalized quality control requirements.

[0065] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the method embodiment described later, since it corresponds to the system, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the system embodiment.

[0066] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A quality control system for a PET / CT device, characterized in that, For the calibration of PET / CT equipment, the system includes: A calibration solution preparation module, which includes an automatic liquid suction and injection device, a mixing device, a defoamer, and several calibration phantoms. The automatic liquid suction and injection device is used to suck the calibration solution and inject it into the mixing device. The mixing device mixes the calibration solution. The mixing device is connected to the defoamer so that the mixed calibration solution flows into the defoamer. The defoamer eliminates the bubbles in the calibration solution, and the calibration solution after bubble elimination is filled into several of the calibration phantoms; A conveying module, which includes several robots. The several robots are used to convey the several calibration phantoms to the designated positions of the PET / CT equipment.

2. The quality control system of the PET / CT device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration solution includes 18 a mixed solution of F nuclide and water.

3. The quality control system for PET / CT equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that The system further includes a monitoring module, which includes a monitoring unit. The detection unit is used to monitor the running trajectory of the robot.

4. The quality control system of the PET / CT device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The monitoring module further includes a control unit, which is used to control the several robots and the several PET / CT equipment.

5. The quality control system for a PET / CT device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The robot is wirelessly connected to the PET / CT equipment.

6. The quality control system of the PET / CT device according to claim 5, wherein, The wireless connection between the robot and the PET / CT equipment includes: The robot is connected to the PET / CT equipment through a WiFi / 5G module.

7. The quality control system for a PET / CT device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The number of robots is the same as the number of calibration phantoms.

8. The quality control system for a PET / CT device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The number of robots is the same as the number of PET / CT equipment.

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