Abstract: A method for adaptive coincidence data processing is provided. The method includes detecting positron annihilation events with a detector array of a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, wherein the PET scanner includes multiple detector rings disposed along a longitudinal axis of the PET scanner, and each detector ring includes multiple detectors. The method also includes, within a given time period, dynamically adjusting a number of positron annihilation events accepted and transmitted to acquisition circuitry for processing utilizing a numerical difference in detector rings along the longitudinal axis between a first detector and a second detector detecting respective annihilation photons from a positron annihilation event.

Abstract: A method for adaptive coincidence data processing is provided. The method includes detecting positron annihilation events with a detector array of a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, wherein the PET scanner includes multiple detector rings disposed along a longitudinal axis of the PET scanner, and each detector ring includes multiple detectors. The method also includes, within a given time period, dynamically adjusting a number of positron annihilation events accepted and transmitted to acquisition circuitry for processing utilizing a numerical difference in detector rings along the longitudinal axis between a first detector and a second detector detecting respective annihilation photons from a positron annihilation event.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imager adapted to obtain an image of a desired region of interest of a subject and a coil positioned on the desired region of interest of the subject. The coil includes a plurality of markings disposed at a plurality of locations on the coil. The imaging system also includes a position indication device having a user interface adapted to receive input from a user indicating which of the plurality of markings corresponds to a desired scan plane of the subject.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a probe that may be inserted into a patient. In certain embodiments, the probe includes a housing, a collimator assembly, and a detector assembly. The collimator and detector assemblies may rotate along a central axis within the housing. In addition, in certain embodiments, an imaging system including the probe and a method of using the probe are provided.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imager adapted to obtain an image of a desired region of interest of a subject and a coil positioned on the desired region of interest of the subject. The coil includes a plurality of markings disposed at a plurality of locations on the coil. The imaging system also includes a position indication device having a user interface adapted to receive input from a user indicating which of the plurality of markings corresponds to a desired scan plane of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates various approaches for removing or reducing the effects of out-of-field sources of radiation if emission tomography applications. In certain embodiments, a plurality of measured views are acquired about an organ or region of interest. The measured views may be reconstructed to form an image and the image may be used in a cleaning or correction process that allows generation of a final image having reduced or eliminated artifacts attributable to out-of-field source effects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates various approaches for removing or reducing the effects of out-of-field sources of radiation if emission tomography applications. In certain embodiments, a plurality of measured views are acquired about an organ or region of interest. The measured views may be reconstructed to form an image and the image may be used in a cleaning or correction process that allows generation of a final image having reduced or eliminated artifacts attributable to out-of-field source effects.

Abstract: Methods for performing image reconstruction that include deriving background projection data for an area outside a targeted field of view of a tomographic image, and reconstructing the tomographic image of the targeted field of view, wherein the background projection data is used in the reconstruction. Methods for selecting a reconstruction methodology that include determining a number of pixels in a reconstructed image for a first reconstruction methodology, determining a number of pixels in a reconstructed image for a second reconstruction methodology, comparing the number of pixels for the first reconstruction methodology and the number of pixels for the second reconstruction methodology, and selecting the reconstruction methodology for image reconstruction based on the comparison of the number of pixels. Imaging systems implementing these methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging a patient are provided. The method includes determining a location of a volume of interest within the patient and acquiring a plurality of frames of emission data, at least one frame including the volume of interest. The method further includes determining a time-of-flight (TOF) information of at least a portion of the annihilations detected along a line of response between corresponding coincidence detectors and generating an image of the patient from the emission data using the determined TOF information.

Abstract: A method and system for reconstructing an image in a time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) system is provided. The method includes using a reconstructed image to determine predicted timing information. Timing bias data is updated based on received timing information associated with acquired scan data from a PET system and the predicted timing information. The method further includes reconstructing the image, based on the updated timing bias data.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a technique for reconstructing PET scan images. According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reconstructing PET scan images. The method comprises: detecting a plurality of coincidence events in a PET scanner; storing data associated with the plurality of coincidence events in a chronological list based on a detection time for each of the plurality of coincidence events; generating correction data based on scatter coincidence events and random coincidence events in the plurality of coincidence events; and reconstructing one or more PET scan images based at least in part on the chronological list of data and the correction data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing scatter correction in a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes determining a look-up table of scatter sinograms during a PET acquisition scan period. The method further includes scatter correcting acquired scan data obtained during the PET acquisition scan period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calibrating a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes determining at least one non-acquisition time period for the PET system. The method further includes automatically acquiring calibration data during the at least one non-acquisition time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a PET system during an imaging scan using the PET system. The method further includes processing the received timing information and timing bias information relating to the PET system to control the PET system.

Abstract: A nuclear imaging radiation system including a gamma camera which, in one embodiment, includes a scintillation crystal, a collimator and an array of photomultiplier tubes, is described. The collimator is positioned adjacent a face of the crystal, and defines a field of view. The array of photomultiplier tubes is positioned adjacent an opposite face of the crystal, and selected tubes outside the field of view are disabled so that light events outside of the field of view are not processed.

Abstract: A reduced field of view collimator for a nuclear imaging gamma camera is described. In one form, the collimator includes a gamma ray attenuating plate, several core plates, and a ramp member. The gamma ray attenuating plate is sized to substantially cover a scintillation crystal face, and includes an opening. The core plates extend from the attenuating plate at a periphery of the plate opening and define an outer periphery of a collimator core. The ramp member includes a ramp having a sloped surface, and is formed of gamma ray attenuating material. The ramp member is secured adjacent to at least one of the core plates so that the sloped surface extends substantially angularly with respect to the attenuating plate and the core plate.