Interleaved SPECT CT Detectors on Shared Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPECT/CT systems have a large footprint, are costly, and do not readily provide for near-simultaneous 4D imaging due to incompatible SPECT and CT detectors supported by different gantries, limiting their ability to offer tomographically consistent and simultaneous 4D SPECT/CT acquisitions with a common field of view.
Innovation Solution
The integration of SPECT and CT detectors on a shared gantry, with emission and transmission detectors interleaved, allowing for simultaneous or quasi-simultaneous 4D SPECT/CT imaging using solid-state detectors and tungsten collimators, and employing multi-modality reconstruction techniques, enabling cost savings through shared mounting structures and data buses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SPECT and CT detectors are supported by different gantries, then each modality can be optimized independently, but the system footprint becomes large and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SPECT and CT detectors on a shared gantry structure, merging two previously separate systems into one integrated platform. This allows both modalities to share common mechanical support, control systems, and spatial coordination, reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining independent optimization capabilities for each detection modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared gantry structure serves multiple functions: it supports both SPECT detectors for functional imaging and CT detectors for anatomical imaging. The gantry rotates to position both detector types around the patient, enabling the single structure to perform multiple imaging functions that previously required separate dedicated systems.
2Measurement precision
If SPECT and CT detectors are supported by different gantries, then each detector can be independently calibrated, but the system cost increases and simultaneous imaging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structures for SPECT and CT detectors onto a single gantry, reducing the number of independent calibration systems and control mechanisms required. While each detector type maintains its calibration independence, the shared mechanical and control infrastructure reduces overall system complexity and cost compared to fully separate gantries.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate gantries are used for SPECT and CT, then structural stability is maintained, but near-simultaneous 4D imaging with common field of view cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SPECT and CT detection capabilities on a single rotating gantry, enabling synchronized data acquisition from both modalities during the same rotational cycle. This integration allows near-simultaneous 4D imaging with a common field of view, as both detector types are positioned and activated in coordination around the same patient volume, eliminating the need for separate positioning and timing synchronization between independent gantries.
4Productivity
If interleaved detector configuration is used on shared gantry, then simultaneous 4D imaging is enabled, but detector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into distinct SPECT and CT detector modules that are interleaved around the gantry circumference. Each module type is designed and calibrated independently, but their spatial arrangement and activation are coordinated through the shared control system. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through modular assembly rather than a single monolithic detector design.
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
This configuration provides a smaller footprint, enables near-simultaneous 4D SPECT/CT imaging with a common field of view, reducing costs and improving imaging efficiency by allowing simultaneous acquisition of structural and functional data with reduced energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
nuclear medical imaging such as scintigraphy using a gamma camera, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Implementation Method 2
X-ray Computer Tomography (CT)
Implementation Method 3
The interaction of the gamma photons with the scintillation crystal produces flashes of light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes interleaved emission detectors and transmission detectors. Emission detectors and transmission detectors can be interleaved along the axis of relative patient motion. Emission detectors and transmission detectors can be interleaved orthogonal to the axis of relative patient motion. Emission detectors can be single photon emission computed tomography detectors and the transmission detectors can be x-ray computed tomography detectors.