Method for Positron Emission Tomography and PET Scanner

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an improved method and apparatus for positron emission tomography (PET). It introduces a way of processing detection data in PET scanners by considering not just a single 'line of response' (LOR) for an event, but multiple possible signal lines each weighted by the probability that the event occurred along them. This is done by modeling the real geometrical properties and imperfections of the detector crystals, such as their finite size and the distribution of detection probability. By generating and evaluating projection data with this approach before tomographic image reconstruction, the resulting PET images have significantly reduced noise and improved accuracy.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical imaging for cancer diagnostics and monitoring using improved PET scanners.
• Research imaging in neuroscience for studying brain function in animals and humans.
• Preclinical imaging of small animals for drug discovery and pharmacological studies.
• Development and quality control of more precise PET scanners for hospitals and research centers.
• Industrial or materials science imaging requiring high-precision tomographic imaging.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved image quality in PET scans through higher signal-to-noise ratio and better spatial resolution.
• Greater diagnostic accuracy by reducing artifacts and noise in reconstructed images.
• Adaptability to different PET scanner geometries, providing flexibility for a wide range of equipment.
• Capability to model and compensate for physical imperfections and statistical uncertainties in detectors.
• Faster and more reliable PET image reconstruction by simplifying the mathematical models involved.
• Supports the use of advanced detector simulations (e.g., with Monte Carlo methods), enabling further optimization.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for positron emission tomography and to a PET scanner. According to the invention, the positron emission tomography method employs the following steps: a) two photons are emitted in opposite directions by an annihilation event in the sample, b) at least two of a large number of detectors arranged around the sample are prompted to output a signal by the two photons, c) a signal line on which the event may have occurred is determined from the location of the detectors which have output a signal, d) said signal line is evaluated in the tomographic reconstruction of the sample, wherein for each event a plurality of signal lines are determined and evaluated in the tomographic reconstruction of the sample. As described at the outset, the reconstructed image thus becomes more accurate and noise is reduced. The method according to the invention and the apparatus can be used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of images.