Tomographic pet camera with adjustable diameter detector ring
First Claim
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1. A PET camera for imaging an object, the camera comprising:
- a plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors capable of radial translation with respect to a central axis, said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors arranged in arcuate relation to each other and adapted to surround said object to be imaged.
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Abstract
A PET camera is disclosed with radially translating detector segments coupled with a rotational motion to tailor the camera detector ring to the size of the subject for optimal detection efficiency. In particular methods of using the present invention, the detector segments may be radially translated to describe a small diameter in imaging a small object, such as a breast. Alternately, the detectors may comprise a large diameter to image a large object, such as body. The detector segments may be diametrically opposed for optimal positron detection. The present invention may be coupled with a quadrant-sharing-photomultiplier-detector design.
115 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A PET camera for imaging an object, the camera comprising:
a plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors capable of radial translation with respect to a central axis, said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors arranged in arcuate relation to each other and adapted to surround said object to be imaged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of testing a patient for breast cancer, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a PET imaging apparatus having a plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors capable of radial translation with respect to a central axis, said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors arranged in arcuate relation to each other and adapted to surround said patient; placing a gantry containing said imaging apparatus in a horizontal or tilted position; injecting said patient with radioactive isotopes; positioning said patient in a substantially prostrate orientation, thereby placing a breast of said patient adjacent said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors; adjusting said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors, thereby placing said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors within close proximity to said breast; and imaging said breast using said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors.
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17. A method of imaging an object using a PET camera, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a PET imaging camera having a plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors capable of radial translation with respect to a central axis, said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors arranged in arcuate relation to each other and adapted to surround said object;
said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors including top, bottom, side and oblique detectors, said top and bottom detectors opposing each other, said side detectors opposing each other and said oblique detectors opposing each other;placing said object adjacent said plurality of detectors; adjusting said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors such that said side detectors have a greatest separation, said top and bottom detectors have a least separation, said oblique detectors have a separation intermediate said greatest separation and said least separation, such that said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors form an elliptical arrangement about said object; and imaging said object using said plurality of position sensitive radiation detectors.
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Specification