Multi-Head Detector Persistence Imaging for Nuclear Medicine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In nuclear medicine imaging systems with multi-head detectors, it is challenging to quickly and accurately position a patient due to gaps between detectors, which complicates the identification of anatomical regions of interest, especially in field-of-views that are only slightly larger than the region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear medicine multi-head imaging system with a gantry and multiple detector units that can rotate to acquire persistence image data, allowing for improved positioning of the patient without external devices like CT scanners, using techniques such as sweeping acquisition modes and post-processing methods to reduce noise in images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If gaps exist between adjacent detectors in a multi-head imaging system, then the system can cover a larger field-of-view, but it becomes more difficult to identify the anatomical region of interest in persistence images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines persistence image data from multiple detector units into a single composite persistence image. By merging the data from detectors that are spaced apart (creating gaps in individual views), the system produces a complete anatomical overview that fills in the gaps and enables clear identification of the region of interest, thus resolving the contradiction between having a large field-of-view and maintaining image continuity for accurate detection.
2Loss of time
If persistence images are used only for positioning, then the acquisition time can be reduced, but the image quality is lower than diagnostic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct phases: a rapid persistence imaging phase for positioning and a detailed diagnostic imaging phase for analysis. During persistence imaging, the system uses reduced acquisition time and simplified processing to quickly determine patient positioning. Then, during diagnostic imaging, the system performs comprehensive data collection and reconstruction to achieve high image quality. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed during positioning without sacrificing the quality needed for diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning actions using persistence images before conducting the full diagnostic imaging sequence. By using persistence images to first establish accurate patient positioning and contours, the system ensures that subsequent diagnostic imaging can proceed efficiently with optimized parameters, ultimately reducing total acquisition time while maintaining high diagnostic image quality.
3Measurement precision
If the field-of-view is only slightly larger than the anatomical region of interest, then the imaging precision can be improved, but the gaps between detectors make it more difficult to identify the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges persistence image data from multiple detector units into a composite image that provides continuous coverage of the anatomical region. Even when individual detectors have gaps and the field-of-view is only slightly larger than the region of interest, the combined data from all detectors creates a complete, gapless view that enables clear identification of the region of interest while maintaining high imaging precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear medicine (NM) multi-head imaging system is provided that includes a gantry defining a bore configured to accept an object to be imaged. The imaging system includes a plurality of detector units coupled to the gantry, with each of the detector units having a respective detector field-of-view (FOV). Each of the detector units is configured to rotate about a respective unit axis, with the plurality of detector units including at least a first and a second detector unit. The imaging system also includes at least one processor configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory, wherein the at least one processor, when executing the programmed instructions, rotates the first and second detector units as the first and second detector units acquire persistence image data; and generates at least one persistence image based on the persistence image data.