Segmented PET-CT Detector Assembly for Simultaneous Whole-Body Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET-CT combined devices are unable to perform simultaneous detections, resulting in doubled detection time and insufficient sensitivity due to their barrel-shaped design, which limits their ability to detect the entire human body effectively.
Innovation Solution
A whole-body PET-CT combined device that includes a PET machine, a CT machine, a detection bed, and adjustable neck and top detectors, allowing for simultaneous PET and CT detections while increasing the solid space angle and sensitivity by adjusting the detector heights to accommodate the detection object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a barrel-shaped PET detector is used to facilitate human body passage, then the device structure is simple and passability is improved, but the enclosed solid space angle is small and sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The PET detector is segmented into three independent detector assemblies: a barrel detector assembly for the body, a neck detector assembly, and a top detector assembly for the head. Each assembly can be independently adjusted to optimize detection coverage for different body regions while maintaining overall system simplicity and passability.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck and top detector assemblies are designed to be movable relative to the barrel detector assembly, allowing dynamic adjustment of detector positions and angles. This enables the system to adapt to different detection scenarios and maximize the enclosed solid space angle without compromising the basic barrel structure's passability.
2Ease of manufacture
If PET and CT machines are placed one behind the other for combined use, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but simultaneous detection cannot be achieved and detection time is doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The CT detector is positioned within the barrel detector assembly, with both detectors sharing a common detection bed and operational space. This nested arrangement allows CT and PET detections to occur simultaneously in the same physical space, eliminating the need for sequential operations while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If the PET detector length is kept short to reduce complexity and cost, then the device is easier to manufacture and operate, but the detection coverage for the whole body is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the barrel detector assembly axially to cover the whole body, the invention adds detection coverage in the vertical dimension by incorporating movable neck and top detector assemblies that can be positioned above the barrel detector. This three-dimensional detection approach provides whole-body coverage without increasing the axial length of the main detector structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A full-body PET-CT combined device (11), characterized by comprising a power source (2), an industrial personal computer (3), a PET machine (5), a CT machine (6), a detection bed (7), a lifting portion (8), and a linear sliding table (9). The CT machine (6) is provided with a CT detector (61) and a CT rack (62). The PET machine (5) consists of a bearing base (51), a barrel detector assembly (52), a top detector assembly (53), and a neck detector assembly (54). The detection bed (7) is horizontally disposed, and a tail portion (71) thereof is fixed to a lifting shaft (81) of the lifting portion (8). A horizontal lifting bottom plate (82) is fixed below the lifting portion (8). The linear sliding table (9) is horizontally placed below the detection bed (7), and the CT machine (6) is located between the PET machine (5) and the lifting portion (8). The combined device (11) further comprises an elongated base (111), with the power source (2) etc. being sequentially fixed to the upper surface of the base (111). A barrel detector (521), the CT detector (61) and the detection bed (7) are coaxially and horizontally disposed. The CT rack (62) is used for supporting the CT detector (61). The positions of the PET machine (5) and the CT machine (6) can be exchanged.