Variable axial aperture positron emission tomography scanner

US5591977A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Michael V. Green · Kensington, US
• Jürgen Seidel · Kreuztal, DE
• William R. Gandler · Rockville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1994
• Grant date: Jan 7, 1997
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B6/508
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An imaging device includes a means for defining an imaging target space and at least two scintillation cameras which are positioned on opposite sides of the imaging target space so as to define one or more matched pairs of scintillation cameras. Each of the scintillation cameras includes a scintillation crystal. Means are provided for tilting the scintillation cameras of the one or more matched pairs of scintillation cameras and their respective scintillation crystals, so as to maximize coincidence detection sensitivity by adjusting an axial field of view to match an axial extent of a target located in the imaging target space. Means for processing signals generated by the scintillation cameras are also provided. Each pair of cameras is configured to detect paired gamma rays, emitted simultaneously and in opposite directions from a point of annihilation of a positron in the target within the target space, to thereby define endpoints of a coincidence line passing through the target and connecting the pair of cameras. Each pair of cameras generates electrical signals, responsive to substantially simultaneous absorption of each of the paired gamma rays by a respective one of the pair …