Abstract: Disclosed are a method of measuring concentration distribution of boron for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone and a treatment planning method for BNCT. The methods include (a) acquiring an anatomical image of a patient and measuring a boron concentration from magnetic resonance (MR) data, (b) extracting a boron concentration change prediction parameter of the patient and predicting the concentration over time, (c) calculating and verifying a boron distribution prediction value estimated by boron imaging and spectral analysis, and (d) deriving an optimal time for BNCT based on the verified results.

Abstract: A variable PET apparatus allows structural changes of detector modules in transversal and longitudinal directions to correspond to various imaging purposes and a cross-sectional diameter of a subject while maintaining an arrangement of the detector modules to be close to a true circle. The variable PET apparatus includes: a gantry having an opening on a longitudinal axis; and detector modules supported on the gantry and arranged a predetermined distance apart from each other such that a detection ring is configured with a diameter in a circumferential direction, wherein the gantry is driven by a gantry drive member, and the detector modules are driven by a detector module drive member. According to the present invention, structural changes of the detector modules in the PET apparatus is possible to correspond to a cross-sectional diameter of a subject without additional devices, thereby improving the spatial resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axially variable detection module of a PET apparatus, the detection module including: a gantry having a through-hole extending from a side to an opposite side of the gantry; a detection module in which a plurality of detectors for detecting gamma rays emitted from a subject are arranged annularly along an inner circumference of the gantry; and a driving means for moving the plurality of detectors constituting the detection module in a radial direction of the detection module, wherein each of the plurality of detectors is rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the detection module to vary a length thereof in the longitudinal direction, and each of the plurality of detectors include multiple detector elements which are engaged with each other in a hinged manner in a transverse direction (circumferential direction) of the detection module to form a flat or an arc shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The disclosed MRI system includes a system controller capable of separately acquiring MR image signals of different elements existing in an object. The system controller includes a first system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a first element, and a second system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a second element different from the first element. The first system controller and the second system controller are physically separated. The first system controller and the second system controller control a first radio frequency (RF) coil element and a second RF coil element of an RF coil, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of measuring concentration distribution of boron for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone and a treatment planning method for BNCT. The methods include (a) acquiring an anatomical image of a patient and measuring a boron concentration from magnetic resonance (MR) data, (b) extracting a boron concentration change prediction parameter of the patient and predicting the concentration over time, (c) calculating and verifying a boron distribution prediction value estimated by boron imaging and spectral analysis, and (d) deriving an optimal time for BNCT based on the verified results.

Abstract: A variable PET apparatus allows structural changes of detector modules in transversal and longitudinal directions to correspond to various imaging purposes and a cross-sectional diameter of a subject while maintaining an arrangement of the detector modules to be close to a true circle. The variable PET apparatus includes: a gantry having an opening on a longitudinal axis; and detector modules supported on the gantry and arranged a predetermined distance apart from each other such that a detection ring is configured with a diameter in a circumferential direction, wherein the gantry is driven by a gantry drive member, and the detector modules are driven by a detector module drive member. According to the present invention, structural changes of the detector modules in the PET apparatus is possible to correspond to a cross-sectional diameter of a subject without additional devices, thereby improving the spatial resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axially variable detection module of a PET apparatus, the detection module including: a gantry having a through-hole extending from a side to an opposite side of the gantry; a detection module in which a plurality of detectors for detecting gamma rays emitted from a subject are arranged annularly along an inner circumference of the gantry; and a driving means for moving the plurality of detectors constituting the detection module in a radial direction of the detection module, wherein each of the plurality of detectors is rotatable in a longitudinal direction of the detection module to vary a length thereof in the longitudinal direction, and each of the plurality of detectors include multiple detector elements which are engaged with each other in a hinged manner in a transverse direction (circumferential direction) of the detection module to form a flat or an arc shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The disclosed MRI system includes a system controller capable of separately acquiring MR image signals of different elements existing in an object. The system controller includes a first system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a first element, and a second system controller capable of acquiring an MR signal of a second element different from the first element. The first system controller and the second system controller are physically separated. The first system controller and the second system controller control a first radio frequency (RF) coil element and a second RF coil element of an RF coil, respectively.

Abstract: A method for measuring a brain wave comprises extracting positive and negative peaks from an electrocardiogram (EKG) signal reflecting heartbeat information, and positive peaks from an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal reflecting heartbeat-caused noise information and brain wave information. The positive peaks of the EEG signal are classified into a first peak group and a second peak group based on the positive peaks of the EKG signal. The first peak group is affected more greatly by the heartbeat than by the brain wave, and the second peak group is affected more greatly by the brain wave than by the heartbeat. Noise of the first and second peak groups is removed from the EEG signal.

Abstract: A non-linear phase correction method is provided. For the non-linear phase correction method, image information is acquired by gradient echo echo planar imaging (EPI). Reference information is acquired by spin echo EPI. The image information is corrected based on the reference information.

Abstract: A non-linear phase correction method is provided. For the non-linear phase correction method, image information is acquired by gradient echo echo planar imaging (EPI). Reference information is acquired by spin echo EPI. The image information is corrected based on the reference information.

Abstract: A method for measuring a brain wave comprises extracting positive and negative peaks from an electrocardiogram (EKG) signal reflecting heartbeat information, and positive peaks from an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal reflecting heartbeat-caused noise information and brain wave information. The positive peaks of the EEG signal are classified into a first peak group and a second peak group based on the positive peaks of the EKG signal. The first peak group is affected more greatly by the heartbeat than by the brain wave, and the second peak group is affected more greatly by the brain wave than by the heartbeat. Noise of the first and second peak groups is removed from the EEG signal.