Method and apparatus for generating computed tomography images with offset detector geometries

A combined x-ray and SPECT imaging system comprising;

• a first gimbal frame;
• a second gimbal frame, wherein the first gimbal frame and second gimbal frame are rotatably connected to one another;
• an x-ray radiation source mounted to the first gimbal frame;
• an x-ray radiation detector mounted to the first gimbal frame;
• and
• at least a pair of SPECT gamma cameras mounted to the first gimbal frame.

A method of generating an image of an object using an imaging apparatus having a detector, comprising the steps of:

• gathering a first imaging data regarding the object with the detector offset from a center of rotation in a first offset position, wherein the detector spans approximately a first half of the width of the object in the first offset position;
• shifting the detector to a second position which is offset from the center of rotation, wherein the second offset position is different from the first offset position, during an imaging acquisition such that the detector is in the second offset position at the conclusion of the imaging acquisition;
• gathering a second imaging data regarding the object with the detector in the second offset position, wherein the second offset position spans generally a remaining half of the width of the object that was not spanned by the detector in the first offset position;
• gathering third imaging data regarding the object during the imaging acquisition with the detector in a plurality of intermediate positions between the first offset position and the second offset position;
• and
• reconstructing the first, second and third imaging data to generate a reconstructed image of the object.

A medical imaging apparatus adapted to generate an image of an object, comprising:

• a radiation source;
• a detector which detects radiation emitted by the source;
• wherein the medical imaging apparatus is adapted to gather a first imaging data regarding the object with the detector offset from a center of rotation in a first offset position, wherein the detector spans approximately a first half of the width of the object in the first offset position;
• wherein the medical imaging apparatus is adapted to shift the detector to a second position which is offset from the center of rotation, wherein the second offset position is different from the first offset position, during an imaging acquisition such that the detector is in the second offset position at the conclusion of the imaging acquisition;
• wherein the medical imaging apparatus is adapted to gather a second imaging data regarding the object with the detector in the second offset position, wherein the second offset position spans generally a remaining half of the width of the object that was not spanned by the detector in the first offset position;
• wherein the medical imaging apparatus is adapted to gather third imaging data regarding the object during the imaging acquisition with the detector in a plurality of intermediate positions between the first offset position and the second offset position;
• and
• wherein the medical imaging apparatus is adapted to reconstruct the first, second and third imaging data to generate a reconstructed image of the object.