Modular PET Detector System for Ion Beam Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PET scanners face challenges such as long delays, reduced activity due to radionuclide decay and biological washout, and increased costs and complexity with in-room setups, limiting their effectiveness in accurately monitoring ion beam penetration depth during medical treatments.
Innovation Solution
A modular PET scanner system comprising multiple gamma ray detector modules that can be assembled and disassembled to provide versatile, cost-effective, and real-time monitoring of ion beam penetration depth, allowing for flexible configuration and integration with existing ion beam systems without requiring modifications to beam delivery equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional PET scanner is used with time delays of several minutes after ion beam irradiation, then the patient can be transported to a remote site for scanning, but the short-lived radionuclides have decayed and only long half-life radioisotopes are detected, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The PET scanner is divided into modular detector blocks that can be selectively assembled. The system uses a subset of detector modules rather than a complete scanner, enabling rapid deployment immediately after irradiation while maintaining sufficient detection capability for short-lived radionuclides.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular detector modules are pre-positioned or quickly assemblable in the treatment room before irradiation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the PET scan to start immediately after irradiation without requiring patient transport or setup delays.
2Loss of time
If an in-room PET scanner is used to reduce time delay, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the cost increases and the irradiation room occupation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying a complete PET scanner in the treatment room, the system uses segmented modular detector blocks that can be selectively assembled. This reduces the overall system cost and complexity while maintaining the capability for immediate post-irradiation scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a partial configuration of detector modules rather than a full PET scanner. This partial deployment provides sufficient detection capability for the specific application of monitoring ion beam irradiation, reducing both cost and room occupation requirements.
3Productivity
If a complete PET scanner is deployed in the treatment room, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The PET scanning system is segmented into independent modular detector blocks that can be selectively assembled based on the specific clinical needs. This segmentation allows the system to achieve real-time monitoring capability with a reduced complexity configuration compared to a complete PET scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular detector blocks are designed to be versatile and can be configured for different scanning scenarios. Each module can function independently or in combination with others, providing universal applicability for various irradiation geometries and clinical applications without requiring a complete scanner system.
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 monitoring of ion beam penetration depth, reduces delays and costs, and provides accurate, flexible, and customizable PET scanning capabilities, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments during treatment sessions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the modules being adapted to detect gamma radiation occurring from short-lived radionuclides radiating from at least one portion of the animal or human body and to generate a radiation output corresponding to the detected gamma radiation
Implementation Method 2
detect gamma radiation occurring from short-lived radionuclides radiating from at least one portion of the animal or human body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detector module system for positron emission tomography. The detector module system comprises a plurality of gamma ray detector modules. Each pair of one detector module and one interconnection element comprises mutually engaging locking means for releasably connecting the detector module to the interconnection element. Further each interconnection element comprises locking means for releasably connecting at least two detector modules to said interconnection element. Further each of said gamma ray detector modules comprises a sensor adapted to detect gamma radiation occurring from short-lived radionuclides radiating from at least one portion of said animal or human body and to generate a radiation output corresponding to the detected gamma radiation, and the detector module system comprises a processing circuitry adapted to receive said radiation output from each of said gamma ray detector modules and to generate a resulting radiation representation for said positron emission tomography event, based on said received radiation output..The present invention also relates to a medical apparatus for positron emission tomography.