Insert device for enhancing PET and MRI images

摘要

Insert devices that include a RF surface coil and gamma-ray photon detector array for enhancing PET and MRI images produced from integrated PET-MRI scanners are disclosed. Integrated PET-MRI scanners that include such insert devices as well of methods for scanning an object by use of such devices are also disclosed.

主权项

1. An insert device for enhancing PET and MRI images of an object produced from an integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner, the insert device comprising:
a device housing positionable within the integrated PET and MRI imaging scanner; an insert RF surface coil for detecting radio-frequency signals, the insert RF surface coil being located within the device housing and configured to detect RF signals generated after application of an electromagnetic field by a main RF coil of the integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner to improve an MRI imaging resolution of the integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner; and an insert gamma-ray photon detector array for detecting gamma-ray photons, the insert gamma-ray photon detector array being located within the device housing and configured to detect a gamma-ray photon from a positron annihilation event opposite to a corresponding gamma-ray photon from the same positron annihilation event detected with a main gamma-ray photon detector included in the integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner, wherein the detected gamma-ray photon and the corresponding detected gamma-ray photon are used to construct a line of response with enhanced accuracy to improve a PET imaging resolution of the integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner; and a mounting unit configured to position the insert gamma-ray photon detector array closer to the object than the main gamma-ray photon detector and further configured to position the insert RF surface coil closer to the object than the main RF coil within the integrated PET-MRI imaging scanner.