Movable Patient Support for SPECT Imaging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nuclear medicine imaging systems, such as SPECT, face challenges in accurately positioning patients, leading to image artifacts and distortion, particularly when imaging structures like the brain, due to limitations in preserving spatial and quantitative properties.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a gantry with movable detectors and a patient support device that allows for alignment of the patient's axis of symmetry with the imaging detectors, enabling precise positioning and reducing artifacts by maintaining the patient in an upright position and using pinhole collimated gamma cameras for improved image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the patient is positioned on a table in a supine position for SPECT imaging, then the patient can be easily positioned and scanned, but it becomes difficult to properly align the gantry to acquire images without artifacts, leading to image artifacts and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable patient support device that can transition between supine and upright positions, and can be moved to different locations (inside or outside the gantry opening). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different imaging requirements, enabling proper alignment for brain imaging in upright position while maintaining ease of operation through motorized control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to patient positioning by introducing a patient support device that can be positioned both inside and outside the gantry opening, and can operate in both supine and upright orientations. This multi-dimensional positioning capability resolves the contradiction by providing multiple positioning configurations that satisfy both ease of operation and measurement precision requirements for different imaging scenarios
2Productivity
If the patient is not positioned correctly within the field of view, then the scan can be completed quickly without repositioning, but the acquired data becomes deficient and requires stopping and repositioning, leading to loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates positioning detectors and alignment systems that enable preliminary positioning of the patient before the actual scan begins. The patient support device can be pre-positioned in the correct location and orientation, ensuring proper alignment with the field of view before data acquisition starts, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming interruptions and repositioning during the scan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses positioning detectors that provide feedback on patient alignment and position relative to the field of view. This feedback mechanism allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of patient positioning, ensuring that the patient remains correctly positioned throughout the scan, thus maintaining both productivity and minimizing time loss
3Productivity
If incorrect positioning is used, then the imaging process can proceed without interruption, but image artifacts such as truncation or distortion occur, compromising image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment procedures using positioning detectors and alignment markers that ensure correct patient positioning before the imaging scan begins. This pre-positioning step prevents image artifacts by establishing accurate spatial relationships between the patient, gantry, and detectors before data acquisition starts, thereby maintaining both imaging continuity and image accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning and alignment methods with automated positioning detectors and computer-controlled alignment systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated detection and control systems ensures precise and consistent patient positioning, eliminating human error and preventing image artifacts while maintaining imaging continuity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for positioning detectors for Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging are provided. One system includes a gantry supporting one or more imaging detectors, wherein the gantry has a portion configured for movable operation. The system also includes a table on one side of the gantry configured to support a patient thereon, wherein the table is further configured to move within an opening of the gantry. The system further includes a patient support device movably positioned on an opposite side of the gantry from the table, wherein the patient support device is configured for movable operation.