3D Radiopharmaceutical Imaging With Pixelated Imagers and Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging technologies struggle to accurately monitor the distribution and concentration of radiopharmaceuticals in the body, leading to potential overdosing and side effects, as they lack precise real-time tracking of radiopharmaceuticals in the body.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging system utilizing pixilated imagers and position sensors to acquire patient image and position data, enabling real-time computed tomography for precise monitoring of radiopharmaceutical distribution and concentration, allowing for the administration of the smallest effective dose.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional medical imaging technologies are used, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision of radiopharmaceutical distribution and concentration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiopharmaceutical distribution and concentration monitoring precisionVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is divided into multiple independent pixelated imagers that can be positioned at different locations around the patient. Each imager independently detects radiation from radiopharmaceuticals, and the processor integrates data from all imagers to reconstruct three-dimensional mass distribution, achieving high measurement precision through distributed sensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional planar imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by adding spatial positioning capabilities. Position sensors track the three-dimensional coordinates of pixelated imagers and patient body parts, enabling reconstruction of three-dimensional mass distribution of radiopharmaceuticals throughout the body volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional imaging methods are used, then the device operation is simple, but the real-time tracking capability of radiopharmaceuticals is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time tracking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs continuous real-time imaging by repeatedly acquiring images at different time points during radiopharmaceutical administration and distribution. The processor continuously updates the three-dimensional mass distribution calculation, providing uninterrupted tracking of radiopharmaceutical movement and concentration changes throughout the body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on radiopharmaceutical distribution and concentration through reconstructed images and quantitative data. This feedback enables clinicians to monitor treatment effectiveness and make immediate adjustments to administration rates or positioning to optimize therapeutic outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If higher dose radiopharmaceuticals are administered to ensure detection, then the detection signal is stronger, but the side effects and harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiopharmaceutical detection accuracyVSAvoidradiation side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple pixelated imagers to work together as a unified detection array. By merging the detection capabilities of multiple imagers and integrating their signals through the processor, the system achieves high measurement precision with lower individual detector requirements, thereby reducing the radiation dose needed for accurate imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixelated imagers serve multiple functions: they detect radiation from radiopharmaceuticals, provide spatial positioning information through position sensors, and contribute to three-dimensional reconstruction. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve accurate detection with optimized dose distribution across multiple detection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables real-time imaging and assessment of treatment, reducing side effects by allowing precise monitoring of radiopharmaceutical distribution and concentration, thereby improving medical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more pixelated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12569209B2Medical devices for diagnostic imaging

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 IMAGE INSIGHT INC

AI summary

A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.