Multi-Detector Imaging System for 3D Lesion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic imaging systems, such as mammography and SPECT, face challenges including the creation of 2D images instead of 3D datasets, interference from other body areas, low resolution, pain for patients due to prolonged stillness, and inefficiencies in detecting small lesions, especially in breast and cardiac imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising multiple small-size imaging detectors arranged around the patient to form a multi-dimensional dataset, using a gantry with adjustable positioning and collimators to acquire imaging data quickly and efficiently, allowing for stationary detection and minimizing patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional SPECT with multi-bore collimator is used for breast imaging, then imaging can be performed, but acquisition time is long and spatial resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple small detectors (e.g., 8x8 cm or smaller) arranged in an array, where each detector images a specific region of interest. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition from multiple angles simultaneously, reducing total acquisition time while maintaining high spatial resolution through focused imaging of small regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D planar imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by arranging multiple detectors in three-dimensional space around the patient. This enables acquisition of tomographic data sets that provide depth information and improved spatial resolution through 3D reconstruction algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If gamma camera is used for scinti-mammography, then breast tissue can be imaged, but lesions near chest wall cannot be detected and background radiation interferes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and images only the specific region of interest (breast tissue) by positioning small detectors to focus on targeted areas. This selective imaging excludes background radiation from other body regions (torso organs, chest wall) from the field of view, improving lesion detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each small detector is optimized to image a specific local region with high resolution. The detectors are positioned and oriented to provide focused imaging of particular anatomical regions, allowing high-quality local imaging while ignoring surrounding areas that contribute background radiation.
3Measurement precision
If mammography compression is applied, then 2D images can be acquired, but patient experiences pain and detection efficiency is low in dense breasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple detectors arranged in three-dimensional space to acquire tomographic data, enabling 3D reconstruction of breast tissue. This eliminates the need for mechanical compression required in conventional 2D mammography, as the 3D imaging geometry provides sufficient tissue separation and contrast without applying compressive force to the patient.
4Measurement precision
If PET imaging is used, then useful diagnostic information can be obtained, but equipment and radioisotope costs are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conventional gamma cameras with short-lived radioisotopes (e.g., technetium-99m) instead of expensive PET systems requiring costly long-lived isotopes and specialized detectors. The system achieves comparable diagnostic information quality through optimized geometric arrangement and processing of gamma ray data, providing a cost-effective alternative.
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 faster, more comfortable imaging with improved resolution, reducing artifacts and scan time, and enhancing the detection of small lesions by forming 3D and 4D datasets without the need for extensive patient movement or compression.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV) and at least a portion of the plurality of imaging detectors images the anatomy of interest within the respective FOV
Implementation Method 2
using a gantry with adjustable positioning and collimators to acquire imaging data quickly and efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system comprises a plurality of imaging detectors for acquiring imaging data. The plurality of imaging detectors is configurable to be arranged proximate to an anatomy of interest within a patient. Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV) and at least a portion of the plurality of imaging detectors image the anatomy of interest within the respective FOV. A processor receives the imaging data and processes the imaging data to form a multi-dimensional dataset having at least three dimensions.