Adjustable Detector Array for Nuclear Medicine Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear medicine imaging systems face challenges in patient comfort due to the physical and mental discomfort caused by close proximity of detector arrays and limited imaging sensitivity, primarily due to the configuration of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) modules, which are often limited to a single row.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable detector array with multiple rows of CZT modules arranged on an annular gantry, equipped with proximity sensors and telescoping mechanisms, allowing for independent movement and positioning to conform to the patient while minimizing contact and enhancing imaging sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detector units are positioned in close proximity to the patient to increase imaging sensitivity, then imaging sensitivity is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to physical discomfort and claustrophobia
Solution Approach 1:
The detector units are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to move between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (during imaging). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize imaging sensitivity by bringing detectors close to the patient only when needed, while maintaining patient comfort during non-imaging periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is configured with multiple detectors at different positions around the patient, allowing selective positioning of individual detector units. This enables the system to optimize the proximity of specific detectors to the patient's body surface at specific locations, maximizing imaging sensitivity locally while minimizing overall patient discomfort through strategic positioning.
2Measurement precision
If detector units are positioned in close proximity to the patient, then imaging sensitivity is improved, but the risk of physical contact and pinching increases
Solution Approach 1:
Proximity sensors are integrated into the detector units to continuously monitor the distance between the detector and the patient's body. When the detector approaches too close to the patient surface, the proximity sensor triggers a feedback signal that automatically retracts the detector unit, preventing physical contact and pinching risks while maintaining optimal imaging sensitivity through controlled proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs preliminary protective measures by positioning detector units on extendable arms with built-in proximity detection. Before potential contact can occur, the system detects the approaching distance and initiates retraction or positioning adjustments, preventing the harmful physical contact from occurring in the first place.
3Device complexity
If CZT modules are configured in a single row, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging sensitivity is fundamentally limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row (one-dimensional) CZT module configuration to a multi-row (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) array configuration. This dimensional expansion allows multiple detector elements to simultaneously capture gamma rays from different angles and positions, fundamentally increasing imaging sensitivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is segmented into multiple independent CZT module rows, each capable of detecting gamma rays. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the detection function across multiple modules, achieving enhanced imaging sensitivity through parallel detection while keeping each individual module relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a medical imaging system having a detector array. In one example, the detector array may include a plurality of adjustable imaging detectors arranged in subsets thereof, each of the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors including a detector unit, each detector unit having a plurality of rows of detector modules, wherein the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors may be arranged on an annular gantry, where an inner surface of the annular gantry may circumscribe a substantially rectangular aperture therethrough, and wherein each subset of the plurality of adjustable imaging detectors may be respectively disposed on a side of the inner surface and may extend within the substantially rectangular aperture.