Compact and mobile high resolution PET brain imager
Inventors
Majewski, Stanislaw • Proffitt, James
Assignees
Jefferson Science Associates LLC
Publication Number
US-7884331-B2
Publication Date
2011-02-08
Expiration Date
2028-09-19
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Abstract
A brain imager includes a compact ring-like static PET imager mounted in a helmet-like structure. When attached to a patient's head, the helmet-like brain imager maintains the relative head-to-imager geometry fixed through the whole imaging procedure. The brain imaging helmet contains radiation sensors and minimal front-end electronics. A flexible mechanical suspension/harness system supports the weight of the helmet thereby allowing for patient to have limited movements of the head during imaging scans. The compact ring-like PET imager enables very high resolution imaging of neurological brain functions, cancer, and effects of trauma using a rather simple mobile scanner with limited space needs for use and storage.
Core Innovation
The present invention is a brain imager comprising a compact ring-like static PET imager mounted in a helmet-like structure that can be attached to a patient's head. This helmet-like brain imager maintains the relative head-to-imager geometry fixed throughout the entire imaging procedure, which enhances image accuracy. It contains radiation sensors and minimal front-end electronics, and is supported by a flexible mechanical suspension or harness system that carries the helmet's weight, allowing for limited head movements during scans.
The problem being solved is the insufficiency of current brain imaging modalities such as PET+CT and MRI+PET due to poor PET resolution and specificity issues. Existing clinical PET scanners have a resolution of 4-5 mm, are bulky, expensive, not optimized for brain imaging, and are generally immobile, limiting their use especially for patients who cannot be transported to dedicated imaging rooms. There is a need for a compact and mobile dedicated brain imager capable of producing dynamic high-resolution 2D or 3D images that can be easily attached to the patient's head.
The compact ring-like PET imager of the invention enables very high resolution imaging of neurological brain functions, cancer, and effects of trauma using a simple, mobile scanner with limited space requirements. This design supports high efficiency and high resolution in a compact, application-specific device, achieving high resolution of less than 2 mm. The device is adaptable to other body parts through reconfiguration, supports real-time tomographic imaging, and provides fast continuous dynamic scans with high-quality angular sampling.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim describing a helmet brain imager with multiple inventive features related to its design, components, and operating capabilities.
Helmet structure with inner and outer shells
The helmet includes an inner shell mounted inside an outer shell, providing a structure to mount detection modules and secure to the patient's head.
Circular arrangement of gamma detection modules on the helmet
A plurality of closely spaced gamma detection modules are mounted in a generally circular shape secured to the inner shell, enabling coincident detection of gamma annihilation photons.
Gamma detection modules comprising pixellated scintillator arrays and basic imaging modules
Each gamma detection module includes a pixellated scintillator array and a single layer of basic imaging modules arranged in a 4×4 array with four-side buttable edges to optimize coverage and resolution.
Basic imaging modules with silicon photomultiplier pads and onboard electronics
Each basic imaging module consists of a 4×4 array of 3 mm basic silicon photomultiplier pads accompanied by onboard electronics with a thickness less than 1 cm, including reflective strips in 1 mm dead spaces to improve scintillation light collection.
Strap securing helmet and suspension arrangement for patient mobility and weight support
A strap secures the helmet to the patient's head allowing for patient body and head movement during scans with the helmet imager following all head movements. A suspension arrangement supports the weight of the helmet brain imager.
Data acquisition and processing system with individual module data acceptance
A data acquisition and processing system that accepts imaging data individually from each gamma detection module for producing tomographic brain images, capable of high data rates and fast reconstruction.
The independent claim protects the integration of a helmet-mounted circular array of pixellated gamma detection modules using advanced silicon photomultiplier technology, combined with weight-supporting suspension and a data processing system designed to enable high-resolution, dynamic PET brain imaging while accommodating patient movement.
Stated Advantages
Maintains fixed relative geometry between head and imager during imaging to enhance image accuracy.
Provides a high efficiency and high resolution (less than 2 mm) dedicated PET brain imager in a compact and mobile form.
Enables detection of smaller abnormalities and earlier, more accurate diagnosis of brain diseases.
Portable and mobile, allowing in-situ brain imaging for patients unable to be moved to conventional PET imaging centers.
Offers an economical solution with a dedicated mobile gantry suitable for stationary or optional translational/rotational scans.
Allows real-time static tomographic imaging with fast continuous dynamic scans and complete angular sampling.
Improves early diagnosis of brain diseases when used with disease-specific biomarkers.
Can be adapted for imaging other body parts such as extremities, neck, thyroid, and breast with a modified gantry.
Documented Applications
High resolution imaging of neurological brain functions.
Detection and diagnosis of brain diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and effects of trauma.
Imaging of cancer within the brain.
Use in emergency room (ER), intensive care units (ICU), hospital beds, or outpatient centers for in-situ brain imaging.
Dynamic and static 2D and 3D brain imaging scans.
Adapted imaging for other anatomical areas such as extremities, neck, thyroid, and breast when reconfigured.
Evaluation of brain function and blood flow, including imaging during patient exercise such as treadmill use.
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