Cooling system for medical imaging apparatus

Abstract

A cooling system for a medical imaging apparatus. The cooling system may include mounting rails circumferentially spaced on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus. Cooling structures may be slidably mounted on the mounting rails. At least one of the cooling structures includes a chill plate, at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.

Description

COOLING SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a cooling system for a medical imaging apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] Diagnostic medical imaging apparatuses include, but are not limited to, computed tomography (CT), two-dimensional digital radiography (DR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) modalities, or hybrid modalities, such as PET -MRI or SPECT-MRI. Many of these imaging apparatuses or systems include a toroidal-shaped gantry structure through which a patient table is inserted. The gantry includes one or more circumferential rows and axially oriented columns of electromagnetic radiation detectors, which form a matrix-like detector array. The respective radiation detectors in the detector array emit electrons in response to incident photons of electromagnetic radiation. The output electrons of the elements in the detectors are processed by detector electronics to generate detector output signals, which are subsequently processed by the imaging apparatus to generate or construct medical images.

[0003] In some imaging systems, detector electronics packages are housed with the detectors within the gantry structure in an integrated detector assembly. The detector electronics are typically maintained within relatively narrow temperature fluctuation and operational temperature bandwidths to reduce the likelihood of inaccurate detector readings and / or excessive noise generation components in the detector readingsthat otherwise may lead to poor quality medical images. The detectors require external cooling to maintain detector assemblies within defined temperature fluctuation and bandwidth specifications.

[0004] Typically, radiation detectors in medical imaging systems are cooled by transferring heat from the detectors to one or more conduits that circulate cooling fluid in proximity to them. However, liquid-cooled electronic structures, configured in plurality, pose an additional risk of leakage proportional to the number of coolant connections. Adding further to the risk is the potential for minor leaks during the connection / disconnection cycle of the mated pairs, wherein small amounts of coolant can escape the break plane. In addition, reliable coolant connectors with built-in valves are generally bulky and expensive. Spray guards have been used to redirect leaks away from the electronics. However, there has been limited success in such techniques.SUMMARY

[0005] Described herein is a system for cooling a medical imaging apparatus.The cooling system may include mounting rails circumferentially spaced on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus. Cooling structures may be slidably mounted on the mounting rails. At least one of the cooling structures includes a chill plate, at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. l is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary medical imaging apparatus;

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a perspective isometric view of an exemplary cooling structure;

[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective internal view of an exemplary detector electronics assembly (DEA);

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a perspective lateral view of an exemplary cooling structure;

[0011] FIG. 5 shows a front view of an exemplary cooling structure; and

[0012] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary chill plate that accommodates multiple detector electronic assemblies (DEAs).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present framework is described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several aspects of the framework are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a fullunderstanding of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present framework is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present framework.

[0014] One aspect of the present framework incorporates a plurality of cooling structures mounted on rails that are circumferentially disposed in a gantry of a medical imaging apparatus and sized to accommodate a range of axially arrayed electromagnetic radiation detector electronic assemblies (DEAs). For longer field-of-view (FOV) systems (i.e., systems having greater than one DEA deep axially), the cooling structures may be made to extend beyond the confines of the gantry with the aid of an installation tool during installation and / or maintenance service.

[0015] In traditional systems, coolant tubing is daisy chained between DEAs to establish a logical flow path and each DEA hangs independently from a rail. Instead of the DEA hanging individually from a rail, the present framework provides the weight bearing and sliding feature at the chill plate of the cooling structure. The chill plate may be made short or long, accommodating one or more DEAs axially, while advantageously maintaining the least number of external fluid connections and load-supporting bearings. This represents significant cost savings, reduced risk of leakage, and higher reliability.For system configurations greater than one DEA deep, no additional fluid connectionsand bearings are required other than only two fluid connections and only two bearings for each cooling structure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary medical imaging apparatus (or system) 100 for generating a medical image of a patient P. The gantry 112 includes a backplane 117 and a patient tunnel wall 114 that defines an axial centerline along the axial direction Z extending orthogonally in relation to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 1. The patient tunnel wall 114 defines an imaging passage of a patient P. An inner circumferential surface 115 of the backplane 117 is spanned by multiple circumferentially spaced mounting rails 132. Each mounting rail 132 may have a rail central axis (RA) oriented parallel to the axial centerline of the gantry 112.

[0017] A plurality of cooling structures 124 are slidably mounted on the mounting rails 132. The cooling structures 124 are arranged coaxially in a matrix-like axial (Z direction) and circumferential (C directional arrow) array outside the patient tunnel wall 114, equally radially spaced from the axial axis Z. Each cooling structure 124 may include a chill plate 101 and a detector electronics assembly (DEA) 116. Each cooling structure 124 may be slid along a mounting rail 132 until it abuts an axial stopblock.

[0018] The cooling structures 124 are slidably mounted on the mounting rail using a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism may be, for instance, a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly may include, for example, a bearing surface machined into the chill plate 101 that aligns with a cylindrical head surface of the mounting rail 132. The bearing surface may be a receiving socket for, for example, a roller bearing. Other sliding mechanisms, such as a drawer slide assembly, may also be used. A drawerslide assembly may include, for example, elongated slide members having formed edges that are nested together in sliding engagement for telescopically moving between extended and retracted positions.

[0019] Each DEA 116 may be mounted on a respective chill plate 101. Instead of the DEA hanging individually from a mounting rail like in traditional systems, the present framework provides the sliding feature on the chill plate 101. Each DEA 116 includes detector electronics 119 and one or more detector elements 111 disposed on a base plate 121. In some implementations, DEA 116 carries a thermal interface material, while the chill plate 101 provides cooling and a datum to register and lock the DEA 116 in place. In some implementations, the thermal interface material is disposed between detector elements 111 and base plate 121, as well as between base plate 121 and chill plate 101. The thermal interface material enhances thermal communication, improving the conduction of heat from detector elements 111 and DEA 116 to heat-conducting chill plate 101. The detector elements 111 are not directly physically contacting the chill plate 101 in this exemplary configuration.

[0020] Exemplary radiation detector elements 111 include, but are not limited to, avalanche photodiodes (APDs) or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The detector electronics 119 receive signals from one or more detector elements 111 that are indicative of photons sensed from the patient P. The detector electronics 119 generate respective detector output signals that are subsequently processed by an image processing unit 122 to generate or construct medical images. In some implementations, the medical imaging apparatus 100 is a positron emission tomography (PET) / computed tomography (CT) system that generates an overlaid CT and PET image display, wherein patient tunnel wall114 is a CT tube wall and the DEAs 116 are PET DEAs. Other types of medical imaging apparatuses are also possible.

[0021] Fluid coolant fed within the cooling loop 128 is first routed to a cooling conduit in each cooling structure 124 via a first connection, and then the return coolant is routed through the cooling conduit of the cooling structure 124 before returning via a second connection to a chiller 126. The cooling structure 124 transfers heat generated within the one or more DEAs 116 to the chiller 126 by the circulation of fluid coolant in the cooling loop 128. The fluid coolant may be, for instance, a suitable liquid or gas. Examples of a liquid coolant include water, glycol, or a combination thereof. The fluid coolant transfers its retained heat to the chiller 126 for dissipation. The chiller 126 may be located in a remotely located cooling system as shown in FIG. 1., or in the gantry or in another portion of the medical imaging system 100.

[0022] The chill plate 101 may be sized to accommodate a range of axially arrayed DEAs 116. For a shorter field-of-view (FOV), a plurality (e.g., 29) of DEAs 116 are disposed in a ring outside the patient tunnel wall 114, with one DEA 116 mounted on each cooling chill plate 101. For a longer FOV, a plurality of rings (e.g., 2 or 3) of DEAs are disposed outside the patient tunnel wall 114, with each ring having a plurality (e.g., 29) of DEAs, wherein a plurality (e.g., 2 or 3) of DEAs are disposed axially on each cooling structure 124.

[0023] For longer FOV systems (i.e., systems having greater than 1 DEA deep axially), the chill plate 101 may be made to extend beyond the confines of the gantry 112 with the aid of an installation tool. The installation tool may be a rail extension that attaches to the gantry frame or directly to the rail end, providing a geometry of sufficientlength and stiffness to slide the cooling structures 124 out, gaining access to them for removal. The installation tool may include an indexing feature to hold an advantageous orientation of the cooling structure 124 for the installation and removal of the DEA(s) 116.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective isometric view of an exemplary cooling structure 124. The cooling structure 124 includes a chill plate 101 and DEA 116. Chill plate 101 is a metallic housing with a front handle 205, opposing bottom and top surfaces (203a and 203b, not visible), and opposing first and second lateral surfaces (203c and 203d). The handle 205 enables the user to manually slide the cooling structure 124 in or out along the inner circumferential surface 115 of the gantry 112 along the rail 132. The chill plate 101 may be formed from an extrusion of a thermally conductive metal (e.g., aluminum), with final machining dictating the number of DEAs 116 that can reside on chill plate 101. Alternatively, the chill plate 101 may be machined or cast from a plate of thermally conductive metal.

[0025] DEA 116 includes detector electronics 119 and one or more detector elements 111 disposed on a base plate 121. In some implementations, base plate 121 includes a planar vertical sub-plate (not shown) and an adjacent planar bottom sub-plate 201 that form a T-shape. Detector electronics 119 are disposed on the vertical sub-plate, while the one or more detector elements 111 are disposed on the bottom sub-plate 201. Fasteners 206 couple the detector elements 111 to the bottom sub-plate 201.

[0026] Heat pipes (not shown) may be embedded in base plate 121 to move the heat from bottom sub-plate 201 to the vertical sub-plate of DEA 116. The chill plate 101 may contact the vertical sub-plate. Heat pipes may or may not be required, dependingupon the heat load. Detector elements 111 are thermally conductively coupled to base plate 121 for cooling the detector elements 111. It should be appreciated that any other number of detector elements 111 may be provided. It should also be appreciated that more than one DEA 116 may be provided.

[0027] The top surface 203b of the chill plate 101 may include one or more bearing surfaces 204 for mounting and hanging the cooling structure 124 on mounting rail 132. In some implementations, two bearing surfaces 204 receive the mounting rail 132. Each of the bearing surfaces 204 may include at least one notch that is curved in alignment with the curved portion of the rail 132. The bearing surfaces 204 are configured to hold the chill plate 101 securely against the mounting rail 132.Alternatively, bearing pockets may be machined into chill plate 101 to receive real bearings. Other configurations are also useful.

[0028] Cooling conduit 207 is thermally conductively coupled to a first lateral surface 203 c of the chill plate 101 for circulating a fluid coolant within the cooling loop 209 via a pair of fluid connections 240a-b. In some implementations, cooling conduit 207 is a metal tube, such as a copper tube. Cooling conduit 207 may also be constructed of non-metallic materials, such as polymer. The first branch 21 la of cooling conduit 207 may have a W-shaped or otherwise wavy planar profile, while second branch 211b has a straight planar profile, both extending across the chill plate 101 and joined at first distal ends 229a of the first and second branches 21 la-b. The second branch 21 lb is positioned adjacent to the lower surface 203a of the chill plate, which is thermally conductively coupled to the detector elements 111.

[0029] This configuration enables the fluid coolant to positioned directly over the heat pipes that are embedded in the DEA 116. More particularly, a vertical segment 241 of the first branch 211a may be positioned directly over two heat pipes (not shown) that are sandwiched between the chill plate 101 and the DEA 116. The number of vertical segments 241 may correspond to the number of detector elements 111 to be cooled. In this exemplary implementation, there are 5 vertical segments 241 because there are 5 detector elements 111 to be cooled. The cooling conduit 207 may be pressed into the chill plate 101 after the chill plate 101 is machined.

[0030] A cooled fluid coolant (gases and / or liquids) is delivered from chiller 126 into the cooling conduit 207 via supply coolant line 210a and discharged from the cooling conduit 207 via return coolant line 210b. Advantageously, this order enables the second branch 21 lb of the cooling conduit 207 to receive the cooled fluid coolant before the first branch 211a receives the fluid coolant, thereby allowing the detector elements 111 to be cooled first before the detector electronics 119 are cooled. The requirements for temperature stability of detector electronics 119 may be less critical than those for the detector elements 111. Supply and return coolant lines 210a-b are coupled to the second distal ends 229b of first and second branches 21 la-b of conduit 207 via first and second connections 240a-b. First and second connections 240a-b may be, for example, brass barbs. Supply and return coolant lines 210a-b may be, for instance, flexible polymer tubing.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a perspective internal view of an exemplary DEA 116. DEA 116 has a base plate 121, which includes a planar vertical sub-plate 301 and an adjacent planar bottom sub-plate 201 that form a T-shape. One or more detector elements 111 aredisposed on the bottom sub-plate 201. In some implementations, vertical sub-plate 301 has first and second opposing lateral surfaces (305a and 305b). Detector electronics 119 are disposed on first lateral surface 305a of the vertical sub-plate 301, while the second lateral surface 305b is attached to the chill plate 101. One or more fasteners 306 (e.g., screws, pins) may be provided to mount the base plate 121 to the chill plate 101.

[0032] In some implementations, the second lateral surface 305b of the vertical sub-plate 301 defines a plurality of inner heat pipes (or channels) 304 that extend from a lower edge 302a to an upper edge 302b of the vertical sub-plate 301. Heat pipes 304 may be in heat-conductive contact with the detector elements 111 and the base plate 121.Such heat pipes 304 transfer heat from the detector elements 111 to the cooling conduit 207.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a perspective lateral view of an exemplary cooling structure 124. Detector electronics 119 are disposed on first lateral surface 305a of the vertical sub-plate 301 using fasteners 402 (e.g., screws, pins). Detector electronics 119 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 404 that is mounted to the first lateral surface 305a. Detector electronics 119 may receive or communicate data (e.g., power clock or synchronizing data signals) from or to image processing unit 122 via electrical connectors 420. Detector electronics 119 further receive signals from the detector elements 111 via a signal pathway, such as an electrical connector 406. Detector electronics 119 generate respective detector output signals that are subsequently processed by the image processing unit 122 to generate or construct medical images.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a front view of an exemplary cooling structure 124. The cooling structure 124 includes DEA 116 mounted to chill plate 101. The chill plate 101serves to cool the DEA 116 and is configured to be slidably mounted on a mounting rail132 in the gantry 112.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary chill plate 101 that accommodates multiple DEAs 116 (not shown). As shown, chill plate 101 may be extended axially to accommodate three DEAs 116. For example, first, second and third DEAs 116 (not shown) may be mounted to sections 1, 2 and 3 respectively of the chill plate 101. It should be appreciated that other numbers of DEAs may also be provided. The multiple DEAs 116 may be electrically connected by one or more bridging circuit boards.

[0036] Cooling conduit 207 is extended axially across the chill plate 101 to cool the multiple DEAs 116. Cooling conduit 207 includes first and second branches 21 la-b connected at first distal ends 229a. The first branch 211a may have a wavy-shaped planar profile, while the second branch 21 lb has a straight planar profile, both extending across the chill plate 101. Vertical segments 241 of the first branch 211a may be positioned directly over heat pipes 304 (not shown) embedded in the DEAs 116. The number of vertical segments 241 may correspond to the number of detector elements 111 (not shown) to be cooled. The second branch 21 lb is positioned adjacent to the lower surface 203 a of the chill plate, which may be conductively thermally coupled to the detector elements 111 of the DEAs 116 (not shown). The cooling conduit 207 may be pressed into the chill plate 101 after the chill plate 101 is machined.

[0037] Second distal ends 229b of the first and second branches 21 la-b are coupled to supply and return coolant lines 210a-b via first and second connections 240a- b. A cooled fluid coolant (gases and / or liquids) is delivered from chiller 126 (not shown)into the cooling conduit 207 via supply coolant line 210a and discharged from the cooling conduit 207 via return coolant line 210b. Even with an axially extended chill plate 101, only two fluid connections (240a-b) and two bearing surfaces 204 are advantageously required. Accordingly, a three-DEA deep configuration traditionally requiring six fluid connections in traditional systems is advantageously reduced in complexity to two in the present framework. If slack in the supply and return coolant lines 210a-b is managed, the first and second connections 240a-b may include hose barbs and / or clamps, which may be more reliable, economical and semi-permanent connections. A socket on one end of the hose barbs may be, for example, soldered to the cooling conduit 207. The other end of the hose barbs may secure the flexible cooling lines 210a-b. Clamps may or may not be placed around the first and second connections 240a-b for added security.

[0038] The following is a list of non-limiting illustrative embodiments disclosed herein:

[0039] Illustrative embodiment 1. A cooling system for a medical imaging apparatus, comprising: mounting rails circumferentially spaced on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus; and cooling structures slidably mounted on the mounting rails, wherein at least one of the cooling structures includes a chill plate, at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.

[0040] Illustrative embodiment 2. The cooling system of illustrative embodiment1 wherein at least one of the mounting rails has a rail central axis that is oriented parallel to an axial centerline of the gantry.

[0041] Illustrative embodiment 3. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-2 wherein at least one of the cooling structures are slidably mounted on the mounting rails using a bearing assembly.

[0042] Illustrative embodiment 4. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-3 wherein at least one of the cooling structures are slidably mounted on the mounting rails using a drawer slide assembly.

[0043] Illustrative embodiment 5. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-4 wherein the chill plate comprises a handle that enables a user to slide the at least one of the cooling structures along a corresponding one of the mounting rails.

[0044] Illustrative embodiment 6. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-5 wherein the fluid coolant comprises water, glycol or a combination thereof.

[0045] Illustrative embodiment 7. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-6 wherein at least one of the cooling structures comprises multiple axially arrayed DEAs.

[0046] Illustrative embodiment 8. The cooling system of illustrative embodiment 7 wherein the multiple DEAs comprise three DEAs.

[0047] Illustrative embodiment 9. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-8 wherein at least one of the cooling structures extends beyond the gantry using a rail extension.

[0048] Illustrative embodiment 10. The cooling system of any one of illustrative embodiments 1-9 wherein the at least one DEA comprises a positron emission tomography (PET) DEA.

[0049] Illustrative embodiment 11. A cooling structure, comprising: a chill plate including a sliding mechanism that is configured to slidably mount the cooling structure to a mounting rail in a gantry of a medical imaging apparatus; at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate; and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.

[0050] Illustrative embodiment 12. The cooling structure of illustrative embodiment 11 wherein thermal interface material is disposed on the DEA to enhance thermal communication.

[0051] Illustrative embodiment 13. The cooling structure of any one of illustrative embodiments 11-12 wherein the at least one DEA comprises detector electronics and one or more detector elements disposed on a base plate.

[0052] Illustrative embodiment 14. The cooling structure of illustrative embodiment 13 wherein the base plate comprises a vertical sub-plate coupled to an adjacent bottom sub-plate to form a T-shape.

[0053] Illustrative embodiment 15. The cooling structure of illustrative embodiment 14, wherein the detector electronics are disposed on the vertical sub-plate and the one or more detector elements are disposed on the adjacent bottom sub-plate.

[0054] Illustrative embodiment 16. The cooling structure of any one of illustrative embodiments 14-15 wherein heat pipes are embedded in the vertical sub-plate.

[0055] Illustrative embodiment 17. The cooling structure of any one of illustrative embodiments 11-16 wherein the cooling conduit comprises first and second branches, wherein the first branch comprises a wavy planar profile and the second branch comprises a straight planar profile.

[0056] Illustrative embodiment 18. The cooling structure of illustrative embodiment 17 wherein vertical segments of the first branch are positioned directly over heat pipes embedded in the DEA.

[0057] Illustrative embodiment 19. The cooling structure of any one of illustrative embodiments 17-18 wherein the second branch is positioned adjacent to one or more detector elements of the DEA, wherein the second branch receives the fluid coolant before the first branch.

[0058] Illustrative embodiment 20. A method of cooling a medical imaging apparatus, comprising: thermally conductively coupling a cooling conduit to a chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection; mounting at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) to the chill plate; and slidably mounting the chill plate to a mounting rail positioned on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus.

[0059] While the present framework has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, elements and / orfeatures of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other and / or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cooling system for a medical imaging apparatus, comprising: mounting rails circumferentially spaced on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus; and cooling structures slidably mounted on the mounting rails, wherein at least one of the cooling structures includes a chill plate, at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.

2. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the mounting rails has a rail central axis that is oriented parallel to an axial centerline of the gantry.

3. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the cooling structures are slidably mounted on the mounting rails using a bearing assembly.

4. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the cooling structures are slidably mounted on the mounting rails using a drawer slide assembly.

5. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein the chill plate comprises a handle that enables a user to slide the at least one of the cooling structures along a corresponding one of the mounting rails.

6. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein the fluid coolant comprises water, glycol or a combination thereof.

7. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the cooling structures comprises multiple axially arrayed DEAs.

8. The cooling system of claim 7 wherein the multiple DEAs comprise three DEAs.

9. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the cooling structures extends beyond the gantry using a rail extension.

10. The cooling system of claim 1 wherein the at least one DEA comprises a positron emission tomography (PET) DEA.

11. A cooling structure, comprising: a chill plate including a sliding mechanism that is configured to slidably mount the cooling structure to a mounting rail in a gantry of a medical imaging apparatus;at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate; and a cooling conduit thermally conductively coupled to the chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection.

12. The cooling structure of claim 11 wherein thermal interface material is disposed on the DEA to enhance thermal communication.

13. The cooling structure of claim 11 wherein the at least one DEA comprises detector electronics and one or more detector elements disposed on a base plate.

14. The cooling structure of claim 13 wherein the base plate comprises a vertical sub-plate coupled to an adjacent bottom sub-plate to form a T-shape.

15. The cooling structure of claim 14, wherein the detector electronics are disposed on the vertical sub-plate and the one or more detector elements are disposed on the adjacent bottom sub -pl ate.

16. The cooling structure of claim 14 wherein heat pipes are embedded in the vertical sub -pl ate.

17. The cooling structure of claim 11 wherein the cooling conduit comprises first and second branches, wherein the first branch comprises a wavy planar profile and the second branch comprises a straight planar profile.

18. The cooling structure of claim 17 wherein vertical segments of the first branch are positioned directly over heat pipes embedded in the DEA.

19. The cooling structure of claim 17 wherein the second branch is positioned adjacent to one or more detector elements of the DEA, wherein the second branch receives the fluid coolant before the first branch.

20. A method of cooling a medical imaging apparatus, comprising: thermally conductively coupling a cooling conduit to a chill plate, wherein the cooling conduit receives a fluid coolant via a first connection and discharges the fluid coolant via a second connection; mounting at least one detector electronics assembly (DEA) to the chill plate; and slidably mounting the chill plate to a mounting rail positioned on a backplane of a gantry of the medical imaging apparatus.

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