Patent ID: 7205546
Filing Date: 2007-04-17
Classification: A61B,G01T

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a PET image of an area of interest on a patient, the method comprising: introducing a positron-emitting radioisotrope into the area of interest, the radioisotrope configured to emit gamma rays when interacting with the area of interest; placing a detector in proximity of the area of interest; wherein the detector has a spherical detection surface; wherein the spherical detection surface is configured such that a larger portion of gamma ray emissions strike normal or near normal to the detection surface than in rectangular or cylindrical detection surfaces; generating a signal in response to a gamma ray striking the spherical detection surface; analyzing the signal to detect a coincidence event; said coincidence event comprising two gamma ray photons striking the detection surface within a specified time period; calculating a line of coincidence of the gamma ray photons striking the spherical detection surface; and imaging the area of interest from the generated signal; wherein the line of coincidence is correlated to the flight path of the gamma rays; wherein calculating the line of coincidence comprises determining the locations on the detector surface struck by the gamma rays and transforming the locations from spherical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates.