Stand-alone mini gamma camera including a localization system for intrasurgical use
US8450694B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/392
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a portable mini gamma camera for intrasurgical use. The inventive camera is based on scintillation crystals and comprises a stand-alone device, i.e. all of the necessary systems have been integrated next to the sensor head and no other system is required. The camera can be hot-swapped to any computer using different types of interface, such as to meet medical grade specifications. The camera can be self-powered, can save energy and enables software and firmware to be updated from the Internet and images to be formed in real time. Any gamma ray detector based on continuous scintillation crystals can be provided with a system for focusing the scintillation light emitted by the gamma ray in order to improve spatial resolution. The invention also relates to novel methods for locating radiation-emitting objects and for measuring physical variables, based on radioactive and laser emission pointers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.