Method and apparatus to obtain limited angle tomographic images from stationary gamma cameras
Inventors
Kross, Brian • Weisenberger, Andrew • Welch, Ben • Gilland, David • Lee, Seung Joon
Assignees
Jefferson Science Associates LLC • University of Florida Research Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-11096636-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-24
Expiration Date
2039-06-21
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Abstract
A nuclear imaging system and method for performing three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures. The system and method includes two or more gamma ray detectors each used in combination with a variable-slant hole collimator. The detectors are positioned in close proximity to, or in contact with, the structure being imaged. The detectors remain in a stationary position during the data collection process. An imaging or reconstruction method is then used to reconstruct a three-dimensional image from the data derived from the detectors.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a nuclear imaging system and method for performing three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures using two or more gamma ray detectors each combined with a variable-angle slant hole collimator. These detectors are positioned in close proximity to, or in contact with, the anatomical structure being imaged and remain stationary during the entire data collection process. A tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithm produces a three-dimensional image from the data collected by the detectors.
The problem solved by the invention arises from limitations in conventional nuclear imaging methods for breast cancer, which is a major cause of death in women. Standard techniques such as mammography have limitations including poor sensitivity for dense breast tissue and require painful clamping. Other modalities like positron emission tomography and SPECT either require the detector to orbit around the target or have detectors that cannot be in close proximity to the anatomical structure, limiting spatial resolution and patient comfort. The invention addresses the challenge of providing improved three-dimensional imaging with superior clarity and spatial resolution without moving the detector around the patient.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims defining a method for imaging anatomical structures using multiple gamma ray detectors with variable-angle slant hole collimators to acquire three-dimensional images from limited angle data.
Method of imaging with stationary gamma ray detectors incorporating variable-angle slant hole collimators
The method comprises administering a gamma radiation emitting radiopharmaceutical that accumulates in an anatomical structure, positioning at least two gamma ray detectors each with a variable-angle slant hole collimator such that the structure is in each detector's field of view, defining acceptance angles for each detector, acquiring projection image data over a continuous angular range of these acceptance angles, and generating a gamma ray image by evaluating data including detector locations, fields of view, and responses to gamma rays originating both within and outside the acceptance angles.
Iterative processing of acquired data to reconstruct limited angle SPECT images
The method further comprises generating the gamma ray image by iteratively processing the data to obtain limited angle single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of the accumulated radiopharmaceutical within the anatomical structure.
These inventive features collectively enable three-dimensional imaging of anatomical structures from limited angular data using stationary gamma ray detectors with variable-angle slant hole collimators and advanced iterative reconstruction methods for improved spatial resolution and tumor detectability.
Stated Advantages
Improved spatial resolution resulting from detectors positioned in close proximity or contact with the anatomical structure, minimizing target to collimator distance.
Ability to obtain near-complete three-dimensional imaging of structures such as breasts without requiring detector movement or rotation around the target.
Enhanced tumor detectability and more precise localization due to multiple angles of acquisition and advanced image reconstruction algorithms.
Potential reduction in radiation dose required for obtaining satisfactory images, lowering patient exposure to radiation.
Capability to perform imaging while the tissue is compressed and maintain tissue position during imaging, aiding further clinical procedures like biopsy.
Documented Applications
Three-dimensional functional imaging of anatomical structures such as breasts for locating, identifying, and evaluating cancerous lesions and similar pathologies.
Molecular breast imaging used as a complementary modality to mammography, especially for women with dense breast tissue.
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