Transrectal Probe and External PET Imager for Prostate Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET imaging systems have poor spatial resolution and are not suitable for accurate imaging of small organs like the prostate, and existing mobile PET imagers do not meet the requirements of size, resolution, and sensitivity needed for effective prostate imaging, especially in clinical situations requiring immediate biopsy guidance and surgery.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated mobile PET imaging system combining an outside high-resolution PET imager and an insertable transrectal probe, with the outside imager mounted on a rotating gantry for torso-wide 3D imaging and the probe providing high sensitivity and very high resolution 2D views, allowing for spatial co-registration and improved data acquisition capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard PET imagers are used, then they can image large areas, but the spatial resolution is poor and inadequate for small organs like the prostate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into two distinct components: a transrectal probe for high-resolution local imaging and an external PET imager for broader anatomical context. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the probe achieves sub-millimeter resolution for the prostate while the external imager provides torso-wide coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Different imaging qualities are applied to different regions: the transrectal probe provides very high spatial resolution (sub-millimeter) for the local prostate region, while the external PET imager provides moderate resolution for surrounding tissues and organs. This local quality approach matches the imaging requirements of each anatomical region
2Ease of operation
If conventional PET scanners are used, then they provide complete tomographic data, but they are bulky and require patient transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from conventional 3D ring geometry to a dual-planar configuration with detectors positioned at different depths (one inside the rectum, one outside the torso). This dimensional change enables the mobile probe design to achieve complete angular sampling and tomographic capability without requiring a bulky rotating gantry
3Measurement precision
If a transrectal probe with limited field of view is used, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but full-scale all-angle 3D tomographic imaging is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the transrectal probe data with external PET imager data through coincidence detection and data fusion. The probe captures high-resolution events from one side of the prostate while the external imager captures coincident events from the other side, together providing complete angular sampling for 3D tomographic reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The external PET imager acts as an intermediary that captures the second coincident gamma ray from positron annihilations detected by the probe. This intermediary detector enables complete coincidence detection geometry and full-angle tomographic imaging while the probe maintains its high-resolution capability
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 system achieves a large active field of view, high 3D reconstruction resolution of 1.5-2.0 mm, and 1.0-1.5 mm 2D resolution, enabling full-scale all-angle 3D tomographic imaging of the prostate and surrounding tissues with enhanced sensitivity and angular sampling, suitable for both diagnostic and surgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The outside detector 22 captures the second coincident 511 keV gamma ray originating from the positron emissions and annihilations in the prostate and in surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
The outside detector 22 serves as a second coincident detector to the probe
Implementation Method 3
two 20 cm×15 cm (axial) planar detectors made of 3 mm×3 mm×10 mm LGSO scintillator detection elements
Data Source
AI summary
A dedicated mobile PET imaging system to image the prostate and surrounding organs. The imaging system includes an outside high resolution PET imager placed close to the patient's torso and an insertable and compact transrectal probe that is placed in close proximity to the prostate and operates in conjunction with the outside imager. The two detector systems are spatially co-registered to each other. The outside imager is mounted on an open rotating gantry to provide torso-wide 3D images of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs. The insertable probe provides closer imaging, high sensitivity, and very high resolution predominately 2D view of the prostate and immediate surroundings. The probe is operated in conjunction with the outside imager and a fast data acquisition system to provide very high resolution reconstruction of the prostate and surrounding tissue and organs.