Open-access emission tomography scanner

A method for imaging a functional abnormality in a body part, the method comprising the steps of:

• injecting a radiotracer into the body part;
• using an apparatus to immobilize and compress the body part;
• providing access to a portion of the body part through an aperture in the apparatus;
• detecting gamma rays being emitted by the radiotracer by moving at least one gamma ray detector across the aperture;
• and
• using the detected gamma rays to produce an image of the functional abnormality.

An apparatus for imaging a functional abnormality in a body part, a radiotracer having been injected into the body part, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one means for holding the body part, the at least one body part holding means being configured to immobilize and compress the body part, wherein the at least one body part holding means includes an aperture, and wherein the aperture is configured to provide access to the body part for performing a medical intervention;
• at least one means for detecting gamma rays, the at least one gamma ray detection means being movable with respect to the at least one body part holding means;
• and
• a processor means for processing data and generating images,
• wherein the at least one gamma ray detection means is configured to obtain data by detecting gamma rays emitted by the injected radiotracer, and the processor means is configured to process the obtained data to generate an image of the functional abnormality.

An apparatus for stabilizing a body part during emission tomography of the body part, the apparatus comprising:

• a first emission-transparent structure configured to be disposed on a first side of the body part;
• a second emission-transparent structure configured to be disposed on a second side of the body part;
• an aperture disposed in the first emission-transparent structure and configured to provide access to the body part through the first emission-transparent structure;
• and
• a movable safety door coupled to the first emission-transparent structure and configured to open and close at least a portion of the aperture, the movable door being further configured to prevent an emission tomography device from covering the at least a portion of the aperture.