Integrated PET-MRI Scanner for Simultaneous Imaging
Tech ID: 11296 / UC Case 2005-584-0
Abstract
Integrated PET-MRI Scanner for Simultaneous Imaging
Full Description
University of California, Davis researchers have developed new devices and methods for acquiring simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) images from patients.
Currently, no combined PET and MRI scanners exist. PET is a powerful imaging modality that uses isotopes attached to specific molecules to provide exceptionally sensitive assays of a wide range of biological processes. Its principal drawback is relatively poor spatial resolution, making unambiguous localization of signal difficult in some cases. MRI, on the other hand, provides exquisite high-resolution anatomical information, as well as access to volume-specific chemical and physical information (e.g. metabolite concentrations). For these reasons, PET and MRI techniques are highly complementary in medicine/research use.
| Modality | Contrast | Spatial Resolution | Temporal Resolution | Sensitivity |
| PET | Extrinsic (positron emitters) | 1-2 mm | Seconds - low res Minutes - high res | ~nM radiolabel |
| MRI | Intrinsic and Extrinsic (T1T2 agents) | As good as 20 microns | Seconds - 2D low res Minutes - 3D high res | ~50µM Gd3+agent |
Suggested uses
- Medical imaging
- Cell Tracking in vivo using reporter genes or multi-modal labels visible to both PET and MRI
- Tumor detection and staging (e.g. prostate, breast, etc.)
- In Vivo assessment of neuronal cerebral metabolic rate of glucose
- Application of dual labels to study atherosclerotic plaque formation
Features/Benefits
- Enables high quality data to be acquired simultaneously;
- Compact allowing for the construction of a simple insert;
- Near-perfect registration;
- High-resolution anatomical context for in vivo PET imaging; and,
- Can withstand high magnetic fields
Related Materials
Patent Status
| Country | Type | Number | Dated | Case |
| United States Of America | Issued Patent | 7,835,782 | 11/16/2010 | 2005-584 |
Inventors
- Catana, Ciprian
- Cherry, Simon R.
Contact
Nancy E. Rashid / nerashid@ucdavis.edu / tel: View Phone Number. Please reference Tech ID #11296.