Static Gantry Whole-Body SPECT System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Whole-body single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is time-consuming and costly due to the need for bulky, expensive gantries with rotating cameras that require multiple positions to capture entire body images, resulting in long imaging times and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A whole-body SPECT system with a static gantry featuring circumferentially arranged radiation detectors that move the patient axially through a fixed array of detectors, reducing the need for rotational movement and mechanical complexity, while processors reconstruct gamma photon strikes into images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating gantry with multiple cameras is used to image the entire body, then complete whole-body coverage is achieved, but imaging time increases to 20-30 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the body into multiple axial segments (5 different axial positions) that are imaged simultaneously by multiple detectors positioned at different heights, rather than imaging the entire body sequentially with a single rotating camera
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single rotating camera operating in one angular dimension to multiple detectors arranged circumferentially at multiple axial positions, adding the axial dimension to achieve parallel imaging of different body sections
2Measurement precision
If a rotating gantry with lead shielded cameras is employed, then precise positioning for imaging is achieved, but mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the detectors around a stationary patient (complex mechanical system), the patent inverts the approach by keeping detectors stationary in a fixed circumferential array and moving the patient table axially through the detector array (simplified mechanical system)
Solution Approach 2:
The complex rotational mechanical system is replaced with a simple linear translation system where the patient table moves axially through a static detector array, eliminating the need for rotating gantries and precise rotational positioning mechanisms
3Area of stationary object
If multiple axial positions with 32 angular positions each are used, then complete body imaging is achieved, but the number of movements and overall time period increase
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into 5 axial regions that are imaged simultaneously by 5 different detector positions, achieving complete body coverage in a single rotational cycle rather than requiring 5 separate rotational cycles
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging functions (5 axial positions × 32 angular positions) are merged into a single parallel acquisition process where all detectors collect data simultaneously as the patient table moves axially, combining what would otherwise require sequential execution
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 significantly reduces imaging time by up to a factor of 9, from 20-30 minutes to 2-3 minutes, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for a large, expensive rotating gantry, while improving image quality and efficiency through detector overlap and reduced patient attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation detectors detect gamma radiation emitted from the patient supported by the patient support
Implementation Method 2
The patient support supports a patient and moves the patient in an axial direction through the static gantry
Implementation Method 3
One or more processors connected to the plurality of detectors records strikes of gamma photons in the radiation detectors and reconstruct the recorded strikes of the gamma photons into a SPECT image
Data Source
AI summary
A whole body SPECT system (10) includes a patient support (14) and a static gantry (12) which includes a plurality of rings (40a,40b,40c) of radiation detectors (42). The patient support (14) supports a patient and moves the patient in an axial direction (18) through the static gantry (12). One or more processors (20,24,32) connected to the plurality of detectors records strikes of gamma photons in the radiation detectors (42) and reconstruct the recorded strikes of the gamma photons into a whole body image.