Work

A new design for a SPECT small-animal imager

Year: 2002

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: We demonstrate, using computer models, the feasibility of a new SPECT system for imaging small animals such as mice. This system consists of four modular scintillation cameras, four multiple-pinhole apertures, electronics, and tomographic reconstruction software. All of these constituents have been designed in our laboratory. The cameras are 120mm×120mm with a resolution of approximately 2mm, the apertures can have either single or multiple pinholes, and reconstruction is performed using the OS-EM algorithm. One major advantage of this system is the design flexibility it offers, as the cameras are easy to move and the aperture s are simple to modify. We explored a number of possible configurations. One promising configuration had the four camera faces forming four sides of a cube with multiple-pinhole apertures employed to focus the incoming high-energy photons. This system is rotated three times, so that data are collected from a total of sixteen camera angles. It is shown that this hybrid system has some superior properties to single-aperture-type systems. We conclude that this proposed system offers advantages over current imaging systems in terms of flexibility, simplicity, and performance.

Source: 2006 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record

DOI: 10.1109/nssmic.2001.1008697

Authors: D.W. Wilson, H.H. Barrett, L.R. Furenlid

Institution: University of Arizona

Language: English

Topic: Medical Imaging Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

Award: Center for Gamma-Ray Imaging