U.S. patent application number 14/230815 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-02 for high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (spect) system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEUROLOGICA CORP.. The applicant listed for this patent is NEUROLOGICA CORP.. Invention is credited to Daniel Allis, Eric Bailey, Lidia Nemirovsky, Andrew Tybinkowski.
Application Number | 20140291529 14/230815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45067108 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140291529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tybinkowski; Andrew ; et
al. |
October 2, 2014 |
HIGH RESOLUTION SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT)
SYSTEM
Abstract
A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding
anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably
mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved
radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and
at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount,
wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT
focal point; whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the
anatomy which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is
moved radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point
of the at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows
a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of
the anatomy.
Inventors: |
Tybinkowski; Andrew;
(Boxford, MA) ; Bailey; Eric; (North Hampton,
NH) ; Nemirovsky; Lidia; (Salem, MA) ; Allis;
Daniel; (Lynn, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEUROLOGICA CORP. |
DANVERS |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEUROLOGICA CORP.
DANVERS
MA
|
Family ID: |
45067108 |
Appl. No.: |
14/230815 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13154195 |
Jun 6, 2011 |
8686368 |
|
|
14230815 |
|
|
|
|
61351750 |
Jun 4, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/362 ;
250/363.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/027 20130101;
G01T 1/166 20130101; A61B 6/037 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/362 ;
250/363.05 |
International
Class: |
G01T 1/166 20060101
G01T001/166 |
Claims
1. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding
anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably
mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved
radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and
at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount,
wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT
focal point; whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the
anatomy which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is
moved radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point
of the at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows
a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of
the anatomy.
2. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the anatomy and the rotating ring is moved longitudinally relative
to the other during scanning, whereby to produce a volume scan of
the anatomy.
3. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 2 wherein the rotating
ring is moved longitudinally relative to the patient.
4. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 3 wherein the rotating
ring is mounted to a frame, and further wherein the frame is moved
along a surface using a continuous loop drive.
5. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 4 wherein the continuous
loop drive comprises a pair of centipede belt drives.
6. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 2 wherein the patient is
moved longitudinally relative to the rotating ring.
7. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 6 wherein the patient is
moved relative to the rotating ring using a motorized bed.
8. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the at least
one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount comprises
a collimator and a scintillation crystal and associated
electronics.
9. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of
gamma cameras are carried on the at least one camera mount, with
the plurality of gamma cameras on that camera mount all being
focused on a single SPECT focal point.
10. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of
camera mounts are movably mounted on the rotating ring so that each
camera mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation
of the rotating ring, and further wherein each of the plurality of
camera mounts comprises at least one gamma camera focused on a
single SPECT focal point for that camera mount.
11. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 10 wherein a plurality of
gamma cameras are carried on each of the camera mounts, with the
plurality of gamma cameras on a given camera mount all being
focused on a single SPECT focal point for that camera mount.
12-13. (canceled)
14. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 10 wherein at least three
camera mounts are provided on the rotating ring.
15. A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system according to claim 1 wherein the at least
one camera mount is moved relative to the rotating ring using a
rotating screw and a ball nut fixed to the at least one camera
mount and riding on the rotating screw.
16. A method for imaging anatomy, the method comprising: providing
a high resolution single photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding
anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably
mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved
radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and
at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount,
wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT
focal point; and rotating the rotating ring about the anatomy which
is to be imaged and moving the at least one camera mount radially
on the rotating ring, so that the single SPECT focal point of the
at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a
spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of
the anatomy.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein at least one of the
anatomy and the rotating ring is moved longitudinally relative to
the other during scanning, whereby to produce a volume scan of the
anatomy.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the rotating ring is
moved longitudinally relative to the patient.
19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the rotating ring is
mounted to a frame, and further wherein the frame is moved along a
surface using a continuous loop drive.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the continuous loop
drive comprises a pair of centipede belt drives.
21. A method according to claim 17 wherein the patient is moved
longitudinally relative to the rotating ring.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the patient is moved
relative to the rotating ring using a motorized bed.
23. A method according to claim 16 wherein the at least one gamma
camera carried on the at least one camera mount comprises a
collimator and a scintillation crystal and associated
electronics.
24. A method according to claim 16 wherein a plurality of gamma
cameras are carried on the at least one camera mount, with the
plurality of gamma cameras on that camera mount all being focused
on a single SPECT focal point.
25. A method according to claim 16 wherein a plurality of camera
mounts are movably mounted on the rotating ring so that each camera
mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation of the
rotating ring, and further wherein each of the plurality of camera
mounts comprises at least one gamma camera focused on a single
SPECT focal point for that camera mount.
26. A method according to claim 25 wherein a plurality of gamma
cameras are carried on each of the camera mounts, with the
plurality of gamma cameras on a given camera mount all being
focused on a single SPECT focal point for that camera mount.
27-28. (canceled)
29. A method for imaging anatomy, the method comprising: providing
at least one camera focused on a focal point; and simultaneously
moving, circumferentially and radially, the at least one camera
relative to the anatomy so that the focal point follows a spiral
pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of the
anatomy.
Description
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/351,750, filed Jun. 4,
2010 by Andrew P. Tybinkowski et al. for HIGH RESOLUTION SINGLE
PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) SYSTEM (Attorney's
Docket No. NEUROLOGICA-26 PROV), which patent application is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to anatomical imaging systems in
general, and more particularly to single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various types of anatomical imaging systems are well known
in the art.
[0004] By way of example but not limitation, X-ray imaging systems
comprise an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. The X-ray source is
disposed on one side of the anatomy which is to be imaged, and the
X-ray detector is disposed on the other side of the anatomy which
is to be imaged. The X-ray detector captures the X-rays which pass
through the anatomy, thereby forming a 2D image of the anatomy.
Such 2D X-ray imaging systems are now in widespread use in
hospitals, surgical centers, dental offices, etc.
[0005] By acquiring multiple 2D images from multiple angles of
view, and subsequently assembling the data from those multiple 2D
images using computed tomography (CT) techniques, 3D images of the
anatomy can be produced. Such CT imaging systems are now in
widespread use in hospitals, surgical centers and the like.
[0006] Numerous other imaging systems are well known in the art. By
way of example but not limitation, ultrasound imaging systems and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are two other types of
imaging systems which are now in widespread use around the
world.
[0007] Another type of imaging system, and the one to which the
present invention is directed, relies on scintigraphy, i.e., where
radioisotopes are positioned internally within the body, and then a
camera is used to capture and form an image of the radiation
emitted by the radioisotopes. These scintigraphy systems may be
relatively simple 2D systems or they may employ computed tomography
(CT) techniques so as to produce 3D images of the anatomy.
[0008] One well known type of scintigraphy system is the single
photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, where one or
more moving cameras detect gamma radiation emitted by radioisotopes
positioned within the body so as to produce multiple 2D images from
multiple angles of view, and then computed tomography (CT)
techniques are used to assemble the acquired 2D images into a 3D
image.
[0009] Another well known type of scintigraphy system is the
positron emission tomography (PET) system. This imaging system uses
a radioisotope tracer, which emits positrons which then annihilate
adjacent electrons, causing gamma photons to be emitted in opposite
directions--these gamma photons are detected by the system so as to
produce multiple 2D images from multiple angles of view, and then
these multiple 2D images are assembled, using computed tomography
(CT) techniques, into 3D images.
[0010] In general, PET imaging systems have a higher resolution
than SPECT imaging systems. However, SPECT imaging systems are
generally significantly less expensive to build and operate than
PET imaging systems--this is because SPECT imaging systems are
generally able to use longer-lived, and more easily-obtainable,
radioisotopes than PET imaging systems, among other things.
[0011] Accordingly, there is currently a need for a new and
improved SPECT imaging system which provides increased resolution
compared to current SPECT imaging systems.
[0012] In addition to the foregoing, in prior art SPECT imaging
systems, multiple gamma cameras have generally been used to acquire
the multiple 2D images from multiple angles of view. However, in
prior art SPECT systems, complex electromechanical systems have
generally been required in order to control the movement of the
multiple gamma cameras. The use of multiple gamma cameras, and
their complex electromechanical control systems, significantly
increases the cost to build and maintain such SPECT imaging
systems.
[0013] Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved SPECT
imaging system which utilizes a simplified construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] These and other objects of the present invention are
addressed by a novel high resolution single photon emission
computed tomography (SPECT) system which provides high resolution
scanning while employing a simplified construction. The novel SPECT
system of the present invention generally comprises a rotating ring
which surrounds the anatomy which is to be imaged. At least one
camera mount is movably mounted to the rotating ring so that the
camera mount can be moved radially relative to the rotating ring
(i.e., so that the camera mount can be moved inwardly or outwardly
relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring). The camera
mount carries a plurality of gamma cameras thereon, with the
plurality of gamma cameras on that camera mount all being focused
on a single SPECT focal point. As a result of the foregoing
construction, as the rotating ring is rotated about the patient and
the camera mount is moved radially on the rotating ring, the single
SPECT focal point of the multiple gamma cameras carried by that
camera mount follows a spiral pattern through the anatomy. As a
result, the anatomy traversed by the single SPECT focal point is
scanned by the SPECT imaging system so as to produce a scan of the
anatomy. While such scanning is occurring, the anatomy and/or the
rotating ring are preferably moved longitudinally relative to one
another, in the manner of a CT or MRI machine, so as to produce
volume scanning of the anatomy. In this way, a 3D image of the
patient's anatomy can be produced.
[0015] In one preferred form of the invention, two camera mounts
are provided on the rotating ring, with the two camera mounts being
disposed diametrically opposed to one another on the rotating ring.
With this construction, each of the two SPECT focal points follows
a spiral pattern through the anatomy, with the two SPECT focal
points being diametrically opposed to one another as they follow
their respective spiral paths. Preferably the imaging system is
constructed so that the two SPECT focal points can be superimposed
on one another when their respective camera mounts are
appropriately positioned on the rotating ring.
[0016] In another preferred form of the invention, just one camera
mount is provided on the rotating ring, so that just one SPECT
focal point traverses the anatomy.
[0017] And in another preferred form of the invention, three or
more camera mounts are provided, so that three or more SPECT focal
points traverse the anatomy.
[0018] In another preferred form of the invention, there is
provided a high resolution single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) imaging system comprising:
[0019] a rotating ring for surrounding anatomy which is to be
imaged;
[0020] at least one camera mount movably mounted to the rotating
ring so that the camera mount can be moved radially relative to the
axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and
[0021] at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera
mount, wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single
SPECT focal point;
[0022] whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the anatomy
which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is moved
radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point of the
at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a
spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of
the anatomy.
[0023] In another preferred form of the invention, there is
provided a method for imaging anatomy, the method comprising:
[0024] providing a high resolution single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) imaging system comprising: [0025] a rotating
ring for surrounding anatomy which is to be imaged; [0026] at least
one camera mount movably mounted to the rotating ring so that the
camera mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation
of the rotating ring; and [0027] at least one gamma camera carried
on the at least one camera mount, wherein the at least one gamma
camera is focused on a single SPECT focal point; and
[0028] rotating the rotating ring about the anatomy which is to be
imaged and moving the at least one camera mount radially on the
rotating ring, so that the single SPECT focal point of the at least
one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a spiral pattern
through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of the anatomy.
[0029] In another preferred form of the invention, there is
provided a method for imaging anatomy, the method comprising:
[0030] providing at least one camera focused on a focal point;
and
[0031] simultaneously moving, circumferentially and radially, the
at least one camera relative to the anatomy so that the focal point
follows a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a
scan of the anatomy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] These and other objects and features of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying
drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further
wherein:
[0033] FIGS. 1-4 are schematic views of a SPECT imaging system
formed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the SPECT
imaging system comprises a rotating ring and two camera mounts
diametrically opposed on the rotating ring so that two SPECT focal
points traverse the anatomy;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the two spiral paths that
are followed by the two SPECT focal points provided by the SPECT
imaging system of FIGS. 1-4;
[0035] FIGS. 6-17 are schematic views showing selected aspects of a
SPECT imaging system formed in accordance with the present
invention, wherein the SPECT imaging system is adapted to move
relative to the anatomy of the patient during scanning so as to
produce volume scanning of the anatomy, e.g., in a manner analogous
to that of the CT scanner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,347,
which patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and
[0036] FIGS. 18-42 are schematic views showing selected aspects of
a SPECT imaging system formed in accordance with the present
invention, wherein the SPECT imaging system is adapted to move
relative to the anatomy so as to produce volume scanning of the
anatomy, e.g., in a manner analogous to that of the CT scanner
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,347.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention comprises a novel high resolution
single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system which
provides high resolution scanning of anatomy while employing a
simplified construction.
[0038] More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 1-4, there is
shown a novel SPECT system 5 formed in accordance with the present
invention. Novel SPECT system 5 generally comprises a rotating ring
10 which surrounds the anatomy which is to be scanned. Rotating
ring 10 includes a bore 12 for receiving the anatomy which is to be
scanned. At least one camera mount 15 (e.g., 15A, 15B, etc.) is
movably mounted to rotating ring 10 so that the camera mount can be
moved radially relative to the rotating ring (i.e., so that the
camera mount can be moved inwardly or outwardly relative to the
axis of rotation of the rotating ring). By way of example but not
limitation, the at least one camera mount 15 may be mounted to
rails 20, which are in turn mounted to rotating ring 10, such that
the at least one camera mount may move radially relative to
rotating ring 10. The at least one camera mount carries a plurality
of gamma cameras 25 (FIG. 4) thereon, with the plurality of gamma
cameras 25 on that camera mount all being focused on a single SPECT
focal point 30. More particularly, each of the gamma cameras
comprises a collimator 35, and a scintillation crystal and
associated electronics 40. The collimator is adapted to filter (or
"focus") the field of radiation 45 emanating from the body of the
patient, i.e., the radiation emanating from the SPECT focal point
30 to which that gamma camera is directed. The radiation passed by
collimator 35 is then detected by scintillation crystal and
associated electronics 40. As a result of the foregoing
construction, as rotating ring 10 is rotated about the patient and
camera mount 15 is moved radially on the rotating ring, the single
SPECT focal point 30 of the gamma cameras 25 carried by that camera
mount 15 follows a spiral path 50 through the anatomy. See FIG. 5.
As a result, the anatomy traversed by the single SPECT focal point
50 is scanned by the SPECT imaging system so as to produce a scan
of the anatomy.
[0039] While such scanning is occurring, the anatomy and/or the
rotating ring 10 is/are preferably moved longitudinally relative to
one another (i.e., along the axis of rotation of rotating ring 10),
in the manner of a CT or MRI machine, so as to produce volume
scanning of the anatomy. In this way, a 3D image of the patient's
anatomy can be produced. By way of example but not limitation, the
new SPECT imaging system may be adapted to move relative to the
anatomy of the patient during scanning so as to produce volume
scanning of the anatomy, e.g., in the manner of the moving CT
scanner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,347, which patent is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the new
SPECT imaging system may include a moving bed (not shown) which is
adapted to move the anatomy of the patient relative to rotating
ring 10 of the scanner during scanning so as to produce volume
scanning of the anatomy.
[0040] In one preferred form of the invention, and as shown in
FIGS. 1-4, two camera mounts 15A, 15B are provided on rotating ring
10, with the two camera mounts being disposed diametrically opposed
to one another on the rotating ring. As noted above, each camera
mount 15A, 15B carries a plurality of gamma cameras 25 thereon,
with gamma cameras 25 being focused on SPECT focal points 30A, 30B,
respectively. On account of this construction, two SPECT focal
points 30A, 30B are provided, with each of the two SPECT focal
points 30A, 30B following their own spiral patterns 50A, 50B
through the anatomy, with the two SPECT focal points 30A, 30B being
diametrically opposed to one another as they follow their
respective spirals 50A, 50B through the anatomy. See FIG. 5.
Preferably SPECT imaging system 5 is constructed so that the two
SPECT focal points 30A, 30B can be superimposed on one another when
their respective camera mounts 15A, 15B are appropriately
positioned on rotating ring 10.
[0041] In another preferred form of the invention, just one camera
mount 15 is provided on rotating ring 10, so that just one SPECT
focal point 30 is provided.
[0042] And in another preferred form of the invention, three or
more camera mounts 15 are provided, so that three or more SPECT
focal points 30 are provided.
[0043] Looking next at FIGS. 6-17, there are shown selected aspects
of a SPECT imaging system 5 formed in accordance with the present
invention, wherein the SPECT imaging system 5 is adapted to move
relative to the anatomy of the patient during scanning so as to
produce volume scanning of the anatomy, e.g., in a manner analogous
to that of the CT scanner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,347,
which patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference. More
particularly, in FIGS. 6-17, there is shown a frame 55 (FIG. 9) to
which rotating ring 10 is mounted, and rails 20 which are mounted
to rotating ring 10 and to which a pair of diametrically-opposed
camera mounts 15A, 15B are mounted. Also shown is an exemplary
gamma camera 25 (FIGS. 14 and 15) comprising its constituent
collimator 35 (FIGS. 14-17) and its constituent scintillation
crystal and associated electronics 40. Also shown are means for
moving camera mounts 15A, 15B on rails 20, whereby to move camera
mounts 15A, 15B in a radial manner relative to rotating ring 10.
More particularly, in one preferred form of the invention, each of
the camera mounts 15A, 15B has a lever 60 secured thereto. A drive
unit 65 moves levers 60, whereby to move camera mounts 15 on rails
20 and hence to move camera mounts 15 radially relative to rotating
ring 10. In addition to the foregoing, the SPECT imaging system 5
shown in FIGS. 6-17 also comprises centipede belt drives 70 for
moving frame 55 relative to a patient who is disposed in bore 12,
and hence moving rotating ring 10 (and hence camera mounts 15 and
gamma cameras 25) relative to a patient who is disposed in bore
12.
[0044] FIGS. 18-42 show additional selected aspects of a SPECT
imaging system 5 formed in accordance with the present invention.
As seen in FIGS. 31-42, drive unit 65 comprises a motor 75 which
drives a pair of screws 80. A ball nut 85 is mounted on each of the
screws 80, such that rotation of screws 80 causes longitudinal
motion of ball nuts 85 along screws 80. Note that screws 80 have
threads 90 which turn in opposing directions, so that rotation of
screws 80 in the same direction causes the pair of ball nuts 85 to
move in opposing directions on their respective screws, i.e.,
either away from one another or towards one another. Levers 60 are
mounted to ball nuts 85 and to camera mounts 15A, 15B. As a result
of this construction, when motor 75 turns in one direction, ball
nuts 85 are caused to move apart from one another, whereby to move
camera mounts 15A, 15B apart from one another; and when motor 75
turns in the opposite direction, ball nuts 85 are caused to move
toward one another, whereby to move camera mounts 15A, 15B toward
one another. If desired, a belt 95 can be used to transfer rotary
motion to a parallel screw/ball nut mechanism located on an
opposing side of bore 12.
MODIFICATIONS
[0045] It will be understood that many changes in the details,
materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein
described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the
invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the principles and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *