Combined positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging device
Inventors
Raylman, Raymond R. • Stolin, Alexander V. • Khramtsov, Valery V. • Tseytlin, Mark
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Assignees
Member
West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia University is a public R1 research institution offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, business, creative arts, and media. The university emphasizes experiential learning, research, and innovation, with notable strengths in academic program development, research excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to affordability, career readiness, and student success. WVU supports a vibrant campus environment, industry partnerships, and impactful scholarship, preparing students for careers through hands-on education, research, and applied learning.
West Virginia University is a public R1 research institution offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across science, engineering, business, creative arts, and media. The university emphasizes experiential learning, research, and innovation, with notable strengths in academic program development, research excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to affordability, career readiness, and student success. WVU supports a vibrant campus environment, industry partnerships, and impactful scholarship, preparing students for careers through hands-on education, research, and applied learning.
Publication Number
US-11607129-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein are positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) systems and methods of use. In one example, a PET-EPRI system includes a PET-EPR insert, a PET scanner including one or more solid-state photodetectors, and a subject module that can house a subject for scanning. The PET-EPR insert includes an EPR resonator that can nest inside the PET scanner. The EPR resonator includes a resonator that can receive the subject module, a shield encircling the resonator and one or more rapid scan coils (RS-coils) positioned around the shield. The shield can prevent electrical coupling between the RS-coils and the resonator while being transparent to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes a positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) system that integrates a PET scanner with an EPR resonator through a PET-EPR insert. The PET-EPR insert includes an EPR resonator and a shield that encircles the resonator, and one or more rapid scan coils (RS-coils) are positioned around the shield opposite the resonator. The shield is configured to prevent electrical coupling between the RS-coils and the resonator while remaining transparent to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans.
The EPR resonator is configured to nest inside an inner diameter of a PET scanner. The PET scanner includes one or more solid-state photodetectors, and the system further includes a subject module configured to house a subject for scanning. The subject module is removably insertable within an inner diameter of the resonator, establishing a mechanical integration concept between the subject module and the nested resonator.
The disclosure describes system integration concepts and imaging concepts for simultaneous PET and EPRI data acquisition, including reconstruction and overlay/correlation of results relevant to the tumor microenvironment. It also describes feasibility testing with phantoms and demonstrative imaging that reports an absence of cross-modality artifacts. Additional embodiment details describe components of the PET scanner and EPRI resonator/coil arrangements, including cooling-related concepts and shielding construction concepts that maintain transparency to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines a PET-EPRI system with a PET-EPR insert, an EPR resonator with a shield, rapid scan coils, a PET scanner with solid-state photodetectors, a nested resonator geometry, and a removable subject module positioned within the resonator inner diameter. The independent claim includes three main inventive elements: the shielded RS-coil/resonator configuration, the nesting of the resonator within the PET scanner, and the removable subject module arrangement.
Shielded RS-coil and EPR resonator coupling prevention
An EPR resonator comprising a resonator and a shield encircling the resonator, and one or more rapid scan coils (RS-coils) positioned around the shield opposite the resonator, the shield configured to prevent electrical coupling between the RS-coils and the resonator while being transparent to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans.
Nested EPR resonator inside a solid-state PET scanner
A PET scanner comprising one or more solid-state photodetectors, the EPR resonator configured to nest inside an inner diameter of the PET scanner.
Removably insertable subject module within the resonator inner diameter
A subject module configured to house a subject for scanning, the subject module removably insertable within an inner diameter of the resonator.
Across the independent claim coverage provided, the inventive concept is anchored by preventing electrical coupling between RS-coils and a shielded EPR resonator while maintaining transparency to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans, nesting the resonator within the inner diameter of a solid-state PET scanner, and using a removable subject module insertable within the resonator inner diameter.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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