Partial-Ring PET Device with Single Gamma Detectors for MRI Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a full-ring PET device in an MRI bore, where some coincidence radiation detectors are removed, limits projection angles and results in artifacts in PET images due to missing detectors, compromising image reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A partial-ring PET device is designed with coincidence radiation detectors arranged in a partially missing ring shape, supplemented by single gamma-ray radiation detectors, such as collimator or Compton camera detectors, to compensate for missing detectors and improve image quality by reconstructing images using signals from both types of detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If some coincidence radiation detectors are removed from the PET device to fit in MRI bore, then the device can be integrated with MRI, but projection angles are limited and artifacts appear in PET images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines coincidence radiation detectors and single gamma-ray radiation detectors into a hybrid PET/MRI device. The single gamma-ray detectors are positioned to detect gamma rays from the field of view and transmit signals through the bed to detectors on the opposite side, effectively merging two detection methods to compensate for missing coincidence detectors in the MRI bore integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed acts as an intermediary medium that transmits signals from single gamma-ray detectors on one side to coincidence detectors on the opposite side. This allows the system to maintain detection capability across the field of view even when detectors are removed from the ring structure for MRI compatibility.
2Measurement precision
If coincidence radiation detectors are arranged in a ring shape to obtain lines of response at various angles, then complete image reconstruction is achieved, but the device cannot be integrated with existing MRI devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two functional parts: coincidence radiation detectors arranged in a partial ring for PET imaging and single gamma-ray radiation detectors positioned to complement the missing areas. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function while together they achieve complete angular coverage for image reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new detection dimension by using single gamma-ray detectors that can detect gamma rays from the field of view and transmit signals through the bed to opposite-side detectors. This adds a vertical transmission dimension to the traditional horizontal ring arrangement, enabling complete angular coverage in a partial-ring configuration.
3Ease of operation
If radiation detectors are arranged in a ring shape between bed and RF coil, then PET detection is enabled, but the center position of measurement target deviates from center of MRI bore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts single gamma-ray radiation detectors from the traditional ring arrangement and positions them specifically to detect gamma rays from the field of view. By removing detectors from certain ring positions and replacing them with this alternative detection method, the system maintains center alignment while enabling PET detection functionality.
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
The solution reduces the missing of projection angles and artifacts in PET images, enabling high-quality image reconstruction and compatibility with hybrid PET/MRI devices by arranging single gamma-ray detectors to cover the missing areas and integrate with MRI devices without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a single gamma-ray radiation detector configured to detect at least either one of the annihilation radiations as a single gamma-ray
Implementation Method 2
single gamma-ray radiation detectors, such as collimator or Compton camera detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A partial-ring PET device, in which some of coincidence radiation detectors to be arranged in a ring shape around a field of view for detecting lines of response of annihilation radiations are missing, is compensated for a drop in image quality due to the missing of the coincidence radiation detectors by including single gamma-ray radiation detectors for detecting at least either one of the annihilation radiations as a single gamma-ray. This can reduce missing of projection angles and reduce artifacts in PET images.