Compact SPECT Retrofit for CT Gantry Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standalone CT imaging devices are costly and impractical for diagnostic service providers to upgrade to hybrid devices that combine SPECT and CT modalities, due to high costs and the need for new infrastructure, making it economically and logistically challenging to integrate both diagnostic capabilities in a single scanning session.
Innovation Solution
A compact SPECT imaging device designed to be retrofitted onto existing CT imaging devices, comprising a base assembly, control tower assembly, linkage assembly, and detectors, which can be securely fastened between the gantry and subject table, allowing for simultaneous SPECT and CT imaging without requiring new infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standalone CT imaging device is upgraded to a hybrid SPECT/CT device, then both diagnostic modalities can be integrated, but the cost and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The SPECT imaging system is segmented into a compact, detachable module that can be separately manufactured and installed on the CT scanner. This modular approach allows the SPECT functionality to be added as an independent unit with its own detectors, collimators, and electronics, rather than requiring a complete system redesign. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by enabling modalities integration while keeping individual component complexity manageable and infrastructure requirements minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the SPECT imaging module with the existing CT scanner infrastructure by positioning the compact SPECT system within the CT gantry structure. The detectors, collimators, and support mechanisms are combined with the CT scanner's mechanical framework, allowing both imaging modalities to share common structural elements and reducing the need for separate infrastructure. This merging approach enables diagnostic capability integration while controlling overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a compact SPECT module is retrofitted onto an existing CT scanner, then integration cost is reduced, but the mechanical complexity of the retrofit assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compact SPECT module is designed with universal mounting interfaces and mechanical features that are compatible with standard CT scanner configurations. The module incorporates multi-functional components that can serve both SPECT imaging functions and integration with the CT scanner framework. This universality approach reduces integration cost by allowing the same module to be installed on various CT scanners without requiring custom-built solutions, while managing retrofit assembly complexity through standardized connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The SPECT imaging components are nested within the existing CT scanner structure, with the compact module positioned inside the CT gantry. The detectors, collimators, and support mechanisms are arranged in a nested configuration that utilizes the CT scanner's existing spatial framework. This nesting approach reduces integration cost by leveraging the CT scanner's structural resources, while the organized nested arrangement helps manage retrofit assembly complexity through clear spatial relationships and integration points.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are positioned at specific angles for SPECT imaging, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the mechanical positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector positioning system incorporates preliminary alignment features and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow for precise angular positioning before final installation. The module includes pre-configured detector arrays with adjustable orientation, enabling calibration and fine-tuning of detector positions relative to the rotation axis. This preliminary action approach improves imaging accuracy by ensuring detectors are precisely positioned at the required angles, while managing manufacturing precision requirements through adjustable and calibratable mounting systems rather than requiring absolute precision in the manufacturing phase.
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 cost-effective integration of SPECT and CT imaging capabilities in a single scanning session, providing accurate anatomical and functional imaging without the need for new equipment or infrastructure, thus enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing economic burdens on service providers.
Implementation Method 1
Gamma rays are then emitted from the body part of interest, are collimated by a collimator so that only gamma photons traveling in a direction perpendicular to the surface of a detector head are allowed to impinge on the detector head, which forms an image of the organ based on the detected concentration and distribution of the radioactive isotope within the body part of interest.
Implementation Method 2
Gamma rays are then emitted from the body part of interest, are collimated by a collimator so that only gamma photons traveling in a direction perpendicular to the surface of a detector head are allowed to impinge on the detector head
Implementation Method 3
Events are detected by an array of photodetectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, and their spatial locations or positions are calculated and stored.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact SPECT imaging device generally includes a base assembly, a control tower assembly, a linkage assembly and a pair of detectors. The base assembly includes a plurality of fastening and/or anchoring assemblies such that the base assembly can be detachably fastenably secured between a gantry of an existing CT imaging device and a subject table. Preferably, the detectors of the compact SPECT imaging device are oriented with respect to one another at an angle of 90°. Preferably, the compact SPECT imaging device includes at least one input/output for communicatively connecting a peripheral device, such as a computer that is also connected to an existing CT imaging device.