University of Washington

General Electric Company

Paul Eugene Kinahan

Adam Alessio

Scott David Wollenweber

Chi Liu

Alexander Ganin

Kris Filip Johan Jules Thielemans

Thomas K Lewellen

Keith C Allberg

Robert Kenneth Doot

Larry D Pierce

Lawrence R MacDonald

Steven Gerald Kohlmyer

Dennis Patrick Hurley

Hubert J Vesselle

Catherine M Lockhart

Wendy McDougald

The present technology describes various embodiments of positron emission tomography (PET) systems for use with mammography machines and associated devices and methods. In several embodiments, a PET system includes a tissue platform and one or more PET detection panels removably coupled to the mammography machine. The panels are configured to generally surround the tissue platform and obtain an approximately 360 degree data sample of tissue. The system can further include an output device configured to output the data sample for image reconstruction. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide high resolution images, quantitative image accuracy, dynamic imaging, and/or biopsy guidance.

Positron emission tomography systems for use with mammography machines and associated devices and methods

The present technology relates generally to respiratory motion correction and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed to respiratory motion correction using internal-external motion correlation. For example, one embodiment of a method of correcting motion blurring in PET/CT imaging includes obtaining PET/CT imaging data of a target tissue in a patient and determining a centroid of the target tissue. The method can further include obtaining an external motion signal of the patient and determining a mean displacement of the external motion signal. The centroid of the target tissue can be correlated with the mean displacement and, based on the correlation, a PET/CT image corrected for motion of the target tissue can be reconstructed.

Respiratory motion correction with internal-external motion correlation, and associated systems and methods

A method for reducing, in an image, motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining a single image of a subject using a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, obtaining a plurality of images of the subject using a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system, generating a plurality of consistency values, and utilizing the plurality of consistency values to register the CT image and the plurality of PET images.

Method and apparatus for reducing motion related imaging artifacts using consistency values

A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes obtaining an image data set of a region of interest in an object, obtaining a motion signal indicative of motion of the region of interest, determining at least one quiescent period of at least a portion of the motion signal, extracting image data from the image data set that is within the determined quiescent period to form an image data subset, and generating an image of the region of interest using the image data subset.

Method and apparatus for reducing motion-related imaging artifacts

A method is disclosed for obtaining linear attenuation coefficients for interpreting a PET scan of a region. The method is suitable for use when high molecular weight materials are present in the region, such as contrast agents or metal objects. The method includes obtaining first and second x-ray CT data sets of the region of interest at two different energies or voltage potentials and differencing corresponding CT numbers. The difference values are used to distinguish portions of the region that are bone from portions of the region that are contrast agent or other high molecular weight material. The obtained CT data set is then used to obtain an attenuation coefficient map of the region at the PET energy of 511 keV, for example, using a linear scaling factor suited to the particular identified material. Difference values at or near zero may be used to identify soft tissue portions of the region.

Method for enhancing the accuracy of PET/CT images

A method, system and kit for calibrating a PET scanner is disclosed. A first aliquot () containing a quantity of a radionuclide dispersed in a solid matrix material is provided, wherein the first aliquot is sized and configured to be received for measurement by a conventional dose calibrator. A second aliquot () containing a quantity of the radionuclide dispersed in the solid matrix material is sized configured to be scanned in a PET scanner. The radionuclide/matrix materials in the first and second aliquots are obtained from the same batch of material, such that the two quantities have the same radioactivity density, or are obtained from different cross-calibrated batches of material. In a method, the first aliquot is placed in a does calibrator () and the radioactivity is measured. The second aliquot is scanned in the PET scanner () and the intensity of the image is correlated with the known radioactivity measured by the dose calibrator and used to calibrate the PET scanner.

Calibration method and system for PET scanners

Methods and systems for imaging a patient are provided. The method includes scanning a patient and acquiring a plurality of frames of cine computed tomography (CT) images during one complete respiratory cycle. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes selecting a value for each pixel that represents the maximum density measurement for the pixel throughout the cine acquisition. In one embodiment, an attenuation correction image of a volume of interest is constructed by weighting a combination of the maximum pixel intensity value and an average pixel intensity value. Undesirable motion artifacts can be removed from positron emission tomography (PET) images by utilizing the CT attenuation correction image.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Paul Eugene Kinahan