Combined PET/MR imaging system and APD-based PET detector for use in simultaneous PET/MR imaging

US10036790B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Matthias J. Schmand · Lenoir City, US
• Ronald Grazioso · Knoxville, US
• Ronald Nutt · Miami, US
• Robert E. Nutt · Knoxville, US
• Nan Zhang · San Diego, US
• James L. Corbeil · Knoxville, US
• Ralf Ladebeck · Erlangen, DE
• Marcus Vester · Koblenzer Straße, DE
• Günter Schnur · Hemhofen, DE
• Wolfgang Renz · Erlangen, DE
• Hubertus Fischer · Bamberg, DE
• Bernd J. Pichler · Scheyern, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2018
• Expiry date: Feb 26, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B8/5261
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

APD-based PET modules are provided for use in combined PET/MR imaging. Each module includes a number of independent, optically isolated detectors. Each detector includes an array of scintillator (e.g. LSO) crystals read out by an array of APDs. The modules are positioned in the tunnel of a MR scanner. Simultaneous, artifact-free images can be acquired with the APD-based PET and MR system resulting in a high-resolution and cost-effective integrated PET/MR system.