Combined medical imaging system a success
Medical imaging has come a long way in recent years. Cutting-edge technologies include nuclear 3D positron emission tomography (PET) to map functional processes in the body and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualise its internal structures. The EU-funded project 'Sub nanosecond leverage in PET/MR imaging' (SUBLIMA) combined these techniques into a new PET/MR imaging method to unite the PET functional imaging possibilities with MR soft tissue imaging features. The project worked on achieving truly simultaneous, fully integrated PET/MR technology for instantaneous functional and anatomical imaging with unsurpassed picture quality. It touched on all relevant parts of the imaging chain, seeking to push physical performance limits. A large part of the research targeted a novel MR-compatible and versatile PET detector concept that makes use of new materials and technology. Specifically, the project worked on simulation and optimisation to improve human imaging reconstruction. This also involved optimisation of the crystal geometry of the PET detector, in addition to developing all the required software and hardware components. SUBLIMA then conducted intense image quality assessment studies and finalised a pre-clinical PET/MR system. It also devised a scalable test system to investigate image performance for the whole body. Armed with extensive expertise in PET detector physics, the project team simulated several impressive demonstrations resulting in outstanding image quality improvements. With early detection playing a vital role in disease treatment, the novel imaging system holds huge potential for improving health in the future. SUBLIMA imaging will contribute to increasing human life span while delivering less painful and more cost-effective treatments. Research into translational medicine, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's stands to gain significantly.
Keywords
Medical imaging, imaging technologies, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance, functional imaging, soft tissue, anatomical imaging, human imaging, disease treatment
