Low profile open ring single photon emission computed tomographic imager
AssigneeDigirad Corporation
InventorWilliam L. Ashburn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) imager for the study of a patient to whom a radionuclide has been administered. The imager has an arcuate detector carrier encompassing at least 180.degree. of arc about an examination axis through a target area of the patient. One or more scintillation detectors are carried by the detector carrier for taking a plurality of readings of gamma ray emissions from the radionuclide. While the plurality of readings are taken, the carrier remains substantially immobile relative to the patient.
Claims21
A method of imaging a patient to whom a radionuclide has been administered, comprising:
- positioning a detector carrier member, carrying one or more detectors, about the patient so that the carrier member encompasses at least 180.degree. of an arc about an axis through a target area of the patient's body;
- and
- taking a plurality of readings of gamma ray emissions from the radionuclide at detection positions corresponding to positions of the one or more detectors along the carrier member;
- wherein the carrier member remains substantially immobile relative to the patient while the plurality of readings are taken;
- and wherein the one or more detectors are capable of moving along the carrier member.
An imager for the study of a patient to whom a radionuclide has been administered, comprising:
- an arcuate detector carrier member encompassing at least 180 degrees of an arc about an examination axis through a target area of the patient;
- and
- one or more detectors which are capable of moving along the detector carrier member for taking a plurality of readings of gamma ray emissions from the radionuclide;
- wherein the carrier member is substantially immobile relative to the patient while the plurality of readings are taken.
An imager for the study of a patient, comprising:
- an arcuate detector carrier member encompassing an arc about an examination axis through a target area of the patient;
- and
- one or more detectors carried at least in part within the detector carrier member for taking a plurality of readings of gamma ray emissions, wherein the one or more detectors moves along the carrier member;
- wherein the carrier member is substantially immobile relative to the patient while the plurality of readings are taken.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.