Movable PET Detector Modules for Axial FOV Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET scanners face challenges in increasing axial field of view (FOV) without a concomitant increase in the number of detector modules, leading to potential errors and longer imaging session times due to fixed detector configurations, which restricts continuous dynamic studies and accommodates varying patient sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A configurable PET scanner with movable radiation detectors that can be axially, radially, and tangentially controlled to optimize detector positioning for specific tasks, allowing for adjustable axial FOV and non-uniform module placement to enhance imaging quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the number of PET detector modules is increased to increase axial FOV, then the axial field of view is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the detector modules movable along the axial direction. Each detector module can be independently positioned to optimize the axial FOV for different imaging tasks. This allows the system to achieve variable axial FOV coverage without permanently installing a large number of detectors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to image large patients when needed.
2Length of stationary object
If multi-stage imaging with patient stepping is used to increase axial FOV, then the field of view is improved, but the imaging session time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules can dynamically adjust their axial positions during or between imaging sessions to optimize coverage for the specific patient and imaging task. This reduces the need for multiple bed positions and stitching operations, thereby decreasing imaging session time while achieving the required axial FOV.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of detector module positions based on patient geometry and imaging task requirements before acquisition begins. This pre-positioning optimizes the axial FOV coverage from the start, eliminating the need for time-consuming multi-stage imaging and bed repositioning during the scan.
3Length of stationary object
If detector modules are sparsely populated to increase axial FOV, then the field of view is improved, but the data coverage and imaging quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detector modules can be dynamically positioned to provide dense sampling in regions of interest while maintaining extended axial coverage. This allows the system to achieve both sparse population for extended FOV and dense sampling for high-quality imaging by adjusting detector positions based on the specific imaging task and patient anatomy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A positron emission tomography (PET) imaging device (10) includes a plurality of PET detector modules (18); and a robotic gantry (20) operatively connected to the PET detector modules. The robotic gantry is configured to control a position of each PET detector module along at least two of an axial axis, a radial axis, and a tangential axis of the corresponding PET detector module.