Imaging device for imaging extracorporeal tissue specimens

Abstract

An imaging device for imaging an in vitro tissue specimen includes a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging module including at least a pair of PET detectors, a computed tomography (CT) imaging module including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, and a tissue specimen receiving element configured to receive a tissue specimen to be imaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an imaging device for imaging an extracorporeal tissue specimen, including a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging module and an X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging module.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of extracorporeal tissue specimen analysis, evaluation of resection accuracy is an important issue. For example, after excising a tumor tissue, since the tumor tissue needs to be excised as completely as possible, in order to be able to determine whether further tissue excision is necessary, it is necessary to evaluate the surgical margin of the excised tissue. For this purpose, a sufficient margin without tumor is required in the tissue to be excised. Such evaluation of resection accuracy can be performed by a pathologist. However, having a pathologist present or on standby during surgery is relatively costly and logically also relatively difficult to achieve. At the same time, histopathological evaluation is a relatively time-consuming process and may be difficult to achieve during surgery. Therefore, it is rare for such histopathological evaluation to be performed during surgery, and as a result, when a tumor margin is detected postoperatively in the excised tissue, undesirable scheduling of additional subsequent surgeries becomes necessary.

[0003] In evaluating the accuracy of excision of extracorporeal tissue specimens, it is known that one or more imaging techniques are used, and these imaging techniques can visualize tumor tissue. CT imaging modules, for example, can detect differences in tissue density within tissue specimens and provide morphological information of the imaged tissue specimens to distinguish between tumor tissue and healthy tissue. However, the contrast between tumor tissue and healthy tissue is often limited in CT images. PET imaging modules can detect the distribution of positron-emitting radioactive tracers administered to the patient before imaging. Because some radioactive tracers are taken up with high specificity by tumor tissue, PET imaging modules can provide images of tumor tissue with relatively high accuracy. Unfortunately, detailed morphological information may not be available in PET images. Therefore, combining images generated by CT and PET imaging modules is very effective in clinical imaging, particularly in evaluating the margins of excised tissue specimens.

[0004] However, both CT and PET imaging modules are fairly bulky and large devices, which can make installation and operation difficult in the operating room. Combining a CT and PET imaging system can make the device even larger. The spatial resolution of available PET and CT imaging systems may not be sufficient to accurately visualize tumor tissue in relatively small excised specimens. At the same time, devices combining CT and PET imaging systems are usually relatively complex from a mechanical standpoint, as they must combine the constraints of both the CT and PET imaging systems. CT imaging systems are often configured to rotate around the specimen or object being imaged. Some CT and PET combined imaging systems also require the implantation of lesion markers before imaging, which is a drawback of such systems.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve or at least mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. In particular, the present invention aims to provide an imaging device for imaging extracorporeal tissue specimens that enables intraoperative evaluation of the excision accuracy of tissue specimens. [Overview of the project]

[0006] To this end, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus for imaging an extracorporeal tissue specimen having the features of claim 1 is provided. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging module including at least a pair of PET detectors, a computed tomography (CT) imaging module including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, and a tissue specimen receiving element configured to receive a tissue specimen to be imaged. In aspects of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a motion system configured to move the tissue specimen receiving element from the CT imaging module to the PET imaging module, wherein the PET imaging module is positioned above or below the CT imaging module. This vertical configuration of the CT and PET imaging modules makes it possible to provide a relatively compact imaging apparatus. In this specification, the term “imaging apparatus” should be understood as a single device, preferably a modular device, and not as a system comprising separate devices. Because the imaging apparatus according to the present invention can be made relatively small and relatively lightweight, it can be used, for example, intraoperatively, i.e., in an operating room during surgery.

[0007] The PET imaging module is preferably positioned above the CT imaging module. By positioning the PET imaging module above the CT imaging module, the former helps shield the environment from potentially harmful radiation emitted from the CT imaging module. As a result, since part of the shielding is performed by the PET imaging module, the CT imaging module itself can contain relatively light shielding, which is advantageous for the imaging device in terms of overall weight. As an example, the CT imaging module is preferably positioned substantially in the center of the imaging device, and the PET imaging module is positioned above the imaging device.

[0008] The tissue specimen receiving element may be, for example, a transparent holder for holding an excised tissue specimen, or other known specimen container or cassette having upright sidewalls. Such upright sidewalls may help to hold the tissue specimen within a predetermined boundary that fits the field of view of one or each of the CT and PET imaging modules. The top may be open or closable. The tissue specimen receiving element may also be a plate-like element with or without an upright boundary.

[0009] The top surface of the imaging device may preferably include an opening configured to allow loading of tissue specimens onto a tissue specimen receiving element, and this opening may be closed by a lid. The opening may provide a gantry to the tissue specimen receiving element. The tissue specimen receiving element may be removable from the device via the opening for loading of tissue specimens, and / or tissue specimens may be loaded via the opening while the tissue specimen receiving element is inside the imaging device. Top access to the tissue specimen receiving element can facilitate the handling of tissue specimens, especially when the height of the imaging device is substantially the same as the height of the table, particularly between about 80 cm and approximately 120 cm. Alternatively, access to the tissue specimen receiving element may be provided in other ways, for example, via an opening on the side of the device. This opening may be closed by a lid. This lid may help shield the environment from radiation emitted by one of the imaging modules of the imaging device. The PET imaging module is located above the CT imaging module, and to aid in shielding, the lid may be relatively lightweight. The lid or door may be, for example, a hinged lid or a sliding door, which can be closed manually or automatically after the tissue specimen to be imaged has been provided to the tissue specimen receiving element. Other known closable lids may also be used.

[0010] The lid may, advantageously, include a camera configured to provide a top image of the tissue specimen receiving element. The camera may preferably be an optical camera. The image of the tissue specimen placed on the tissue specimen receiving element can help determine the orientation of the tissue specimen on the tissue specimen receiving element. The orientation of the tissue specimen may also be determined by other methods, such as a wire attached to the tissue specimen after excision, staining of the specimen, other known techniques, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The imaging device may further include a substantially vertical bore, which is configured to receive a tissue sample receiving element and allows the tissue sample receiving element to move within the bore. The vertical bore makes it possible to construct a relatively compact imaging device. Preferably, the vertical bore extends from an opening included in the top surface of the imaging device through the PET imaging module to the CT imaging module below, thereby allowing the tissue sample receiving element to move from the opening to the CT and PET imaging modules within the substantially vertical bore with relatively simple and gradual movement.

[0012] The motion system can be configured to allow substantially vertical motion and / or rotational motion of the tissue sample receiving element about a substantially vertical axis. In particular, it is preferable that the motion system be restricted to allow one-dimensional substantially vertical motion and / or rotational motion about the same substantially vertical axis. Substantially vertical motion allows, for example, the tissue sample receiving element to be moved from, for example, a tissue sample receiving position located on the upper side of the device to an imaging position in the CT imaging module, and further to an imaging position in the PET imaging module. At the imaging position, for example, the imaging position in the CT imaging module, the motion system can be configured to rotate the tissue sample receiving element over, for example, about 180°, thereby allowing imaging of the tissue sample over various angles. Furthermore, the motion system may be configured to allow rotational motion of the tissue sample receiving element about a substantially vertical axis to be combined with substantially vertical motion, thereby resulting in helical motion of the tissue sample receiving element, which can be beneficial, for example, for helical acquisition of data by the CT imaging module. This allows high-quality imaging to be performed using a relatively simple mount that includes only a single axis of movement.

[0013] The motion system may include a kinematic mount. A kinematic mount is a mount in which all degrees of freedom of a 3D object are restricted from moving, preferably without excessive constraints. Specifically, a movable frame, such as a tissue sample receiving element, can be supported by ball bearings. Such a kinematically determined mount can simplify the alignment of the tissue sample receiving element within a vertical bore and reduce or eliminate the need for recalibration after servicing the device.

[0014] The motion system can be configured to perform settling of the tissue sample within the tissue sample receiving element, for example, by performing a vibration motion on the tissue sample receiving element. The vibration motion may include, for example, a relatively rapid downward motion followed by a relatively short upward motion, or vice versa, once or repeatedly. Many other settling motions are possible. Such settling motions can be performed after the tissue sample has been received and before data acquisition by one of the imaging modules. Settling motions are useful in preventing the movement of the tissue sample within the tissue sample receiving element between data acquisition by the CT imaging module and data acquisition by the PET imaging module, which would interfere with the joining and / or comparison of data acquired by each imaging module.

[0015] The PET imaging module is preferably a high-resolution PET imaging module having a spatial resolution of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm. The high-resolution PET imaging module preferably includes a monolithic scintillator and can provide a three-dimensional spatial resolution of less than a millimeter. Alternatively, the PET imaging module may include an array of scintillation crystals. The PET imaging module preferably includes a ring of multiple PET detectors, for example, more than 5 PET detectors, for example more than 9 PET detectors, for example 11 or more PET detectors. The PET detectors are preferably PET detectors using silicon photomultiplier tubes.

[0016] The CT imaging module can be a micro-CT imaging module having a spatial resolution of less than 0.2 mm (less than 200 μm), more preferably less than 0.1 mm (less than 100 μm). The CT imaging module can be, for example, a cone-beam CT scanner including a microfocus X-ray source and a large-area flat-panel X-ray detector. The X-ray detector may include a CMOS image sensor coupled with a scintillator. Other configurations of the CT imaging module are also possible.

[0017] Shielding for CT imaging modules can be lead-free. CT imaging devices are known to emit potentially harmful radiation, and the environment of the imaging device needs to be shielded from this radiation. This shielding generally includes the housing of the CT imaging module, which typically contains lead. Due to its high density, lead is useful as a shielding material against X-rays and gamma rays. However, due to the environmental risks associated with lead disposal, it is considered preferable to provide lead-free shielding, and such shielding may include steel or steel alloys. Steel shielding may be thicker than the corresponding lead-containing shielding, but steel shielding is relatively easy to manufacture.

[0018] The imaging device may further include an image reconstruction module configured to perform image reconstruction based on data from a PET imaging module and / or data from a CT imaging module. The image reconstruction module can provide a reconstructed image based solely on data from the CT imaging module or solely on data from the PET imaging module. Preferably, the image reconstruction module is also configured to provide a reconstructed image based on data from both the CT and PET imaging modules. Because the PET and CT imaging modules have relatively high sensitivity, the acquisition time by the imaging modules can be reduced, and image reconstruction can be started relatively quickly. The image reconstruction module is preferably configured to provide a reconstructed image within about 15 minutes, more preferably within about 10 minutes. Alternatively, image reconstruction can be performed remotely, for example, by an image reconstruction module on a remote computing module or server.

[0019] The image reconstruction module can be configured to perform 3D image reconstruction. 3D image reconstruction can be advantageous in eliminating sampling bias. Furthermore, the CT imaging module can be configured to perform circular or spiral scans of tissue specimens to provide multiple images from various viewpoints.

[0020] The imaging device may further include a user interface. The user interface may include, for example, a screen configured to display images provided by an image reconstruction module. The screen may be located, for example, on the top of the imaging device or elsewhere. The screen may be a touchscreen or of other types. The user interface may further include a number of buttons, handles, or pedals configured to allow the user to operate the imaging device in a relatively simple manner with minimal actions required, and the activation button or pedal may, for example, open an opening that provides access to a tissue sample receiving element. The user interface may also include visual means, such as an LED strip or any other known means, configured to indicate the progress of the tissue sample scanning process by the CT imaging module and the PET imaging module.

[0021] The imaging device can be advantageously made mobile. Preferably, the imaging device includes wheels, particularly rotating wheels, to facilitate its movement. Such a mobile imaging device is particularly advantageous for use in an operating room, where it can be relatively easily brought close to the operating table and placed aside in front of or behind it when needed. Other known means of movement other than wheels can also be considered.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for performing in vitro tissue imaging having the features of claim 15 is provided. Such a method can provide one or more of the advantages described above.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the method may include a step of injecting a radioactive tracer into tissue. An example of such a radioactive tracer is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, commonly known as FDG, a glucose analog that is taken up by metabolically active cells, such as tumor cells. The radioactive decay time of FDG is approximately 110 minutes. Other isotopes that can be used for PET imaging include, for example, C-11, which has a decay time of approximately 20 minutes, and 68-gallium, which has a decay time of approximately 68 minutes. These isotopes can be linked to other molecules (which then become radioactive tracers), such as PSMA. Other molecules, such as nanobodies, can also be linked to PET isotopes. To optimize PET imaging, the optimal time frame for administering the radioactive tracer can be calculated by considering the radioactive decay time and the time it takes for the tracer to be absorbed or taken up in the body. Typically, an interval of 60 to 90 minutes between radioactive tracer administration and imaging is recommended, but even after approximately 30 minutes, the radioactive tracer may already be relatively strongly taken up by target cells in the tissue. Administering radioactive tracers too early can lead to the loss of relatively important signals or a decrease in image quality. Administering higher doses of radioactive tracers to compensate for early administration may increase the radiation load.

[0024] The step of administering the radioactive tracer is preferably performed before excising the tissue sample from the patient. This allows imaging of the in vitro tissue sample to be performed immediately after excision without waiting for the sample to take up the radioactive tracer. Alternatively, the radioactive tracer can be injected into the in vitro tissue sample.

[0025] The step of administering the radioactive tracer is preferably carried out during the operation, that is, during the patient's surgery, when the patient is preferably under general anesthesia. More preferably, the step of administering the radioactive tracer is performed before incising the patient's vasculature. Thereby, the radioactive tracer can circulate well in the body and be taken up by the target tissue. By such a method, while reducing the dosage of the radioactive tracer, the uptake time into the body can be optimized before imaging the excised tissue specimen, and as a result, the image quality can be improved. This method can be particularly advantageous for relatively time-consuming surgeries. Such a method can be considered an invention in itself.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an imaging device for imaging an extracorporeal tissue specimen according to a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of the imaging device shown in FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an imaging device 1 for imaging an in vitro tissue specimen according to a first aspect of the present invention. The imaging device 1 is preferably a mobile device. It may include at least two wheels, preferably four wheels, which may be rotating wheels 2a or non-rotating wheels 2b. This allows the imaging device 1 to be easily moved into and within the operating room. For example, the device 1 can be brought close to the operating table so that an excised tissue specimen can be inserted into the imaging device 1 during surgery for imaging and margin evaluation. The top surface 3 of the imaging device 1 can be positioned at the height of a table, for example, about 80 cm to about 120 cm from the floor. The imaging device 1 may include a user interface, such as a display 4, which may be detachably or permanently mounted on the top surface 3 of the imaging device 1, or mounted in any other way. The display 4 may preferably be rotated in various directions so that a surgeon in the operating room can easily visualize the results displayed on the screen of the display 4. The user interface may further include input elements configured to enable data input to the imaging device. The input element can be a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or any other input element. The touchscreen may be included on the top surface 3 of the device 1, for example, to enable input of patient data or other information. The imaging device 1 may include an image reconstruction module 30 configured to perform image reconstruction based on data from a PET imaging module and / or data from a CT imaging module. The image reconstruction module is preferably configured to perform 3D image reconstruction. The image reconstruction module 30 may include a suitable computing system that enables the performance of image reconstruction. The computer system is preferably included in the imaging device 1. The computer system may include a wired or wireless communication interface for communicating with a remote computing system, for example, a hospital computing system for storing results.Alternatively, the image reconstruction may be performed on a remote computing system.

[0028] To facilitate maintenance of the various modules within the imaging device 1, at least one side of the imaging device 1, preferably the front side 5, may include access to the interior of the imaging device 1. This access can be closed by a lid or door 6. The side of the imaging device 1 may further include a progress indicator, such as an illumination strip 7, preferably extending in a line and preferably including a plurality of LED lights, which can be configured to indicate the progress of the imaging process of a tissue specimen. One or more progress indicators, such as the illumination strip 7, may preferably be positioned at a certain distance from the user interface, and in particular at a certain distance from the display 4. The progress of the imaging process can be indicated by the color of the light, the intensity of the light, the duration of illumination, the number of lights, the brightness, blinking, flashing of the light, and / or any combination thereof. The illumination strip 7 may be configured to emit, for example, blue, green, red and / or yellow light, or more or fewer colors, continuously, flashing, or in any other manner across a portion of the strip and / or across the entire strip. Each of these illumination characteristics, or any combination thereof, can correspond to steps and / or evaluations of steps in the imaging process, such as the opening of the imaging device lid, the start and / or progress of imaging by the CT imaging module, or the movement of the tissue sample receiving element, or any other step in the imaging process. Specific colors or lighting methods of the illumination strip 7 can also be used as a warning, for example, when the imaging device lid 6 is open and / or when X-rays are being emitted. Any other progress indicator can also be used as an alternative. One or more progress indicators, such as the illumination strip 7, can also be placed on different sides of the imaging device 1, for example, one on each side of the imaging device 1. This allows a user, such as a surgeon, to track the progress of the imaging process while remaining close to the patient at a certain distance from the imaging device and to be alerted when intervention from their side is needed. The imaging device 1 may further include an operating pedal 8 to facilitate operation of the device 1 in the sterile environment of an operating room.The pedal can, for example, operate the brakes on the wheels 2a, 2b. The top surface 3 of the imaging device 1 may include an opening 9 configured to allow a tissue specimen to be loaded into the tissue specimen receiving element. This opening 9 is preferably closable by a lid (not shown) or any other type of closing element. The top surface 3 of the imaging device 1 may include, for example, a further progress indicator around the opening 9, for example, a substantially circular one. This further progress indicator may preferably be an illumination strip containing multiple LEDs, which can be configured to function independently of and / or in combination with the illumination strip 7, thereby increasing the number of messages and / or the possibility of warnings by a combination of color, timing and other illumination characteristics. The lid, particularly the inner surface of the lid facing inward from the imaging device 1, may include a camera configured to provide a top image of the tissue specimen receiving element. The operating pedal 8 may be configured to open the lid and close the opening 9, for example, so that an operator can place a tissue specimen into the tissue specimen receiving element without touching anything. The same or a different pedal 8 may be configured to initiate the imaging procedure. Alternatively, the lid may be automatically opened and closed in an automated workflow. Furthermore, the imaging procedure may be initiated by a touchscreen included on the upper surface 3 of the imaging device 1.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an internal perspective view of the imaging device 1 shown in Figure 1. The imaging device 1 comprises a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging module 10 and a computed tomography (CT) imaging module 11. The PET imaging module 10 is positioned above the CT imaging module 10. In this embodiment, the PET imaging module 10 is directly mounted on top of the CT imaging module 10 via a dedicated mount 12, which includes, for example, bolts or other suitable fixing elements. The mount 12 may advantageously include removable fixing elements to provide a modular system in which all modules are individually replaceable. By mounting the PET imaging module 10 above the CT imaging module 11, the PET imaging module 10 can contribute to the efficient shielding of the CT imaging module 11, thereby allowing the use of relatively lightweight shielding material surrounding the CT imaging module 11. The PET imaging module 10 may comprise a ring of PET detectors 13, preferably silicon photomultiplier tube-based PET detectors 13. The PET imaging module 10 is preferably configured to be used with an 18F-FDG radiotrace, which is commonly used in cancer detection and particularly suitable for margin evaluation of extracorporeal tissues. The PET imaging module 10 is preferably a high-resolution PET imaging module with a spatial resolution of less than 1 mm. The CT imaging module 11 is preferably a micro-CT imaging module with a spatial resolution of less than 0.2 mm. The CT imaging module 11 includes an X-ray source 14, for example, a microfocus X-ray source, and an X-ray detector 15, for example, a large-area flat-panel X-ray detector. The X-ray detector 15 may include a CMOS image sensor coupled with a scintillator. The CT imaging module 11 is generally surrounded by a protective shield 16 to protect the environment of the CT imaging module 11 from potentially harmful radiation. The shield 16 of the CT imaging module can be, for example, a lead-free shield.

[0030] The imaging device 1 preferably includes a substantially vertical bore 17 configured to receive a tissue sample receiving element, allowing the tissue sample receiving element to move within the substantially vertical bore 17. The vertical bore 17 is preferably aligned substantially perpendicularly to an opening 9 on the top surface 3 of the imaging device 1. The substantially vertical bore 17 preferably crosses the PET imaging module 10 and the CT imaging module 11 so that the tissue sample receiving element can be moved substantially perpendicularly between the opening 9, the PET imaging module 10 and the CT imaging module 11. The imaging device 1 further includes a motion system 18 configured to move the tissue sample receiving element from the CT imaging module 11 to the PET imaging module 10, preferably through the substantially vertical bore 17 to the CT imaging module 11, then to the PET imaging module 10, and back to the opening 9. To this end, the motion system 18 may include a linear motor 19, a linear motion guide 20, and a cable carrier 21 for protecting the cables. A linear motor can be configured to move the tissue sample receiving element linearly, and this movement is guided by a linear motion guide 20. The motion system 18 may include, for example, a kinematic mount (not shown) in which a set of three or six ball bearings are constrained by corresponding conical recesses, thereby providing a secure mounting that avoids time-consuming readjustment after maintenance of the device. The kinematic mount may be located, for example, on top of the motion system 18 and connected to the underside of the CT imaging module 11. After loading the tissue sample into or onto the tissue sample receiving element, the motion system may be configured to perform a settling motion, for example, a downward motion in a vertical bore, which may include, for example, a relatively significant acceleration and a sudden stop of the motion. Other motions, such as excitation motions, are also possible. The accelerating and decelerating forces on the tissue sample can be used to set the tissue sample so that it does not move within the tissue sample receiving element during imaging by both the CT imaging module 11 and the PET imaging module 10.The motion system 18 may further be configured to allow rotational motion of the tissue sample receiving element about a substantially vertical axis. To this end, the motion system 18 may include a rotary motor 22 configured to rotate the tissue sample receiving element about a central vertical axis. Such rotational motion of the tissue sample receiving element allows the CT imaging module to generate multiple images of the tissue sample from various angles, for example, from various angles distributed over 360° or less, despite the fixed mount of the CT imaging module 11. The motion system 18 may also be configured to combine linear and rotational motion to produce helical motion of the tissue sample receiving element, particularly through the CT imaging module 11. In this embodiment, the CT imaging module 11 is mounted to the motion system 18, particularly the rotary motor 22, via a dedicated mount 23, for example, including bolts or other suitable fastening means. The CT imaging module 11 is preferably detachably mounted to the rotary motor 22.

[0031] During surgery, for example during breast surgery, the imaging device 1 can be used to perform in vitro tissue sample imaging. To this end, the surgeon, or more preferably a nurse, can move the imaging device 1 closer to the operating table. The lid can be removed from the opening 9, preferably hands-free, for example, automatically after the start of an automated workflow, or manually. The surgeon or nurse can place the excised tissue sample on or inside the tissue sample receiving element. The tissue sample receiving element can then be provided to the vertical bore 17 through the opening 9. The upper end of the vertical bore 17 can be shaped to precisely position the tissue sample receiving element within the vertical bore 17. The movement system 18 can then move the tissue sample receiving element, for example, downward, thereby closing the lid over the opening 9 again. Alternatively, the tissue sample receiving element can be positioned just below the lid, which is configured to cover the opening 9. A camera mounted inside the lid can then create a top-view image of the tissue sample. Alternatively, the camera can record at least part of the imaging procedure in the imaging device 1. Subsequently, the motion system 18 can perform settling movements, such as a short upward movement following a fast downward movement, or a vibration movement, to settle the tissue specimen within the tissue specimen receiving element. The motion system 18 can then move the tissue specimen receiving element to the CT imaging module 11. The CT imaging module then performs imaging of the extracorporeal tissue specimen, preferably by a helical scan, for example, by the helical movement of the tissue specimen receiving element through the CT imaging module 11. The image reconstruction module 30 can preferably begin image reconstruction immediately. Even during scanning, a portion of the CT image can be displayed relatively quickly on the display 4 in 2D preview mode without image reconstruction, for example, the first image and a further image taken at a 90° angle to the first image. This allows the surgeon to evaluate whether the extracorporeal tissue specimen is properly positioned for further imaging within the first 10 to 30 seconds from the start of imaging by the CT imaging module. Imaging can be interrupted at this stage if necessary.Subsequently, the movement system 18 moves the tissue sample receiving element upward from the CT imaging module 11 to the PET imaging module 10. The PET imaging module then performs imaging of the in vitro tissue sample. The image reconstruction module can then perform image reconstruction of the PET image. The reconstructed 3D PET and CT images can then be displayed separately and / or simultaneously on the display 4 for evaluation by the surgeon and / or nurse or other healthcare professional. The entire procedure from insertion of the in vitro tissue sample into the imaging device 1 to the display of the CT and PET images preferably takes less than 20 minutes, more preferably less than 15 minutes, and as a result, highly accurate margin evaluation of the in vitro tissue sample can be performed intraoperatively.

[0032] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be carried out with various changes and modifications without departing from its scope. Therefore, these embodiments should be considered in all respects to be exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is indicated not by the above description but by the appended claims, and so all changes that fall within the meaning and equivalents of the claims are intended to be encompassed therein. In other words, it is intended that all changes, modifications or equivalents that fall within the scope of the underlying basic principles are covered, and that their essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. Furthermore, readers of this patent application will understand that the words “equipped with” or “equipped with” do not exclude other elements or steps, and that the words “a” or “an” do not exclude plurals, and that a single element, such as a computer system, processor or another integrated unit, may perform the functions of multiple means described in the claims. No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting each claim. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “a,” “b,” and “c,” when used herein or in the claims, are introduced to distinguish similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, terms such as “up,” “down,” “above,” and “below” are introduced for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily indicate a relative position. The terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may operate in other orders or orientations different from those described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. An imaging device for imaging extracorporeal tissue specimens, - A positron emission tomography (PET) imaging module including at least one pair of PET detectors, - Computed tomography (CT) imaging module including an X-ray source and X-ray detector, - A tissue sample receiving element configured to receive a tissue sample to be imaged, - A motion system configured to move the tissue sample receiving element from the CT imaging module to the PET imaging module, The PET imaging module is located above or below the CT imaging module. The upper surface of the imaging device includes an opening configured to allow a tissue sample to be loaded onto the tissue sample receiving element, and the opening can be closed by a lid. The imaging device is characterized in that the lid includes a camera configured to provide an image of the top surface of the tissue sample receiving element.

2. In the imaging device according to Claim 1, An imaging device comprising a substantially vertical bore configured to receive the tissue sample receiving element, wherein the tissue sample receiving element is movable within the substantially vertical bore.

3. In the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the motion system is configured to enable substantially vertical motion and / or rotational motion of the tissue sample receiving element about a substantially vertical axis.

4. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An imaging device characterized in that the motion system includes a kinematic mount.

5. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The imaging device is characterized in that the motion system is configured to perform a settling motion with respect to the tissue sample receiving element.

6. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the PET imaging module is a high-resolution PET imaging module having a spatial resolution of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm.

7. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An imaging apparatus characterized in that the CT imaging module is a micro-CT imaging module having a spatial resolution of less than 0.2 mm.

8. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An imaging apparatus characterized in that the shield of the CT imaging module is a lead-free shield.

9. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The imaging apparatus further comprises an image reconstruction module configured to perform image reconstruction based on data from the PET imaging module and / or the CT imaging module.

10. In the imaging device according to claim 9, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the image reconstruction module is configured to perform 3D image reconstruction.

11. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An imaging device characterized by further provision of a user interface.

12. In the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, An imaging device characterized in that the imaging device is a mobile device.

13. A method for performing in vitro tissue imaging, - The step of providing an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, - The step of providing the extracorporeal tissue specimen to be imaged to the tissue specimen receiving element, -Optionally, the motion system performs an excitation motion on the tissue sample receiving element, - The CT imaging module performs the step of imaging an in vitro tissue specimen, - The PET imaging module comprises the step of imaging an in vitro tissue specimen, The method is characterized in that the motion system moves the tissue sample receiving element from the CT imaging module to the PET imaging module by upward or downward motion.

Images