Multi-Gamma Photon Coincidence Imaging System for Radionuclide Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear medical imaging systems, such as PET and SPECT, face challenges in determining the precise location of radionuclide decay due to low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and require high doses of radionuclides, increasing radiation risk to patients.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system utilizing multiple-gamma photon coincidence events with detector assemblies, time coincidence modules, and a computer platform to determine the location of radionuclide decay by calculating the point of minimum distance from non-parallel projection lines, improving SNR and reducing the need for extensive data accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PET uses time coincidence measurement to determine LOR, then positron annihilation location can be preliminarily determined, but the gamma photon detector modules require extremely high time resolution and the image SNR is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PET time coincidence measurement with SPECT projection line determination by merging the detection capabilities of both modalities. The system simultaneously acquires time coincidence data from PET detectors and projection data from SPECT collimators, then integrates these data types to determine both LOR and projection line information, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining acceptable image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the imaging problem by introducing projection line determination alongside traditional LOR determination. Instead of relying solely on the one-dimensional LOR information from PET, the system incorporates angular projection data from SPECT collimators, creating a multi-dimensional constraint system that improves location precision without requiring extremely high time resolution
2Reliability
If PET accumulates a large number of LORs to improve image SNR, then diagnostic effect improves, but patient radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges PET and SPECT detection mechanisms to achieve synergistic effects. By combining the sensitivity of PET time coincidence detection with the angular resolution of SPECT collimators, the system achieves high image SNR with fewer accumulated events, thereby reducing the required radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by determining both LOR and projection line information from the same set of detected gamma photons, rather than requiring separate accumulation processes. This partial utilization of detection data for multiple purposes (both LOR and projection determination) improves efficiency and reduces the total number of events needed
3Measurement precision
If SPECT uses collimator to limit gamma photon detection angle, then projection line can be determined, but detection efficiency is low and image SNR deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both collimation and time coincidence detection. The system uses collimators to determine projection lines while simultaneously using PET time coincidence measurement to determine LORs from the same detected photons. This merging allows projection line determination with acceptable detection efficiency by compensating for collimator losses with the sensitivity of coincidence detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time coincidence measurement as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between collimator detection and precise location determination. The time coincidence module acts as a mediator that validates and enhances the information obtained from collimator-based projection line determination, improving measurement precision without solely relying on collimator efficiency
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 approach allows for precise localization of radionuclide decay, enhancing image reconstruction and reducing patient radiation exposure by minimizing the required number of gamma photon events.
Implementation Method 1
a detector, configured to detect a single-gamma photon event and measure time
Implementation Method 2
a time coincidence module, provided with a time window... determine, with the time window, whether a plurality of single-gamma photon events detected by the detectors constitute a multiple-gamma photon coincidence event
Implementation Method 3
determine a location where the decay of the radionuclide takes place according to non-parallel projection lines where gamma photons are emitted... determine via calculating a point to which the sum of individual distances from the plurality of non-parallel projection lines is minimum
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-gamma ray photon simultaneous medicine emission-based time-coincidence nuclear medicine imaging system and method. The system comprises: multiple detector probes arranged in a non-parallel mode, a time coincidence module (3), and a computer platform (4). Each detector probe comprises a collimator (1) and a gamma ray photon detector (2) with a time measuring function. Multiple gamma ray photons radiated by detection radionuclides within a short time form multiple gamma ray photon coincidence events. According to calculation in the method, a point having the smallest sum of distances of projection lines determined by the multiple gamma ray photon coincidence events is a disintegration position of radionuclides, and the distribution of radionuclides in a living body can be obtained by accumulating a certain number of multi-gamma ray photon coincidence events. The imaging system and method simplify a reconstruction algorithm, improve the signal to noise ratio of reconstructed images, lower the requirement for the total count of gamma ray photons, and reduce the irradiation risk to patients.