Combined positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging device
Described herein are positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) systems and methods of use. In one example, a PET-EPRI system includes a PET-EPR insert, a PET scanner including one or more solid-state photodetectors, and a subject module that can house a subject for scanning. The PET-EPR insert includes an EPR resonator that can nest inside the PET scanner. The EPR resonator includes a resonator that can receive the subject module, a shield encircling the resonator and one or more rapid scan coils (RS-coils) positioned around the shield. The shield can prevent electrical coupling between the RS-coils and the resonator while being transparent to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans.
1. A positron emission tomography (PET)-electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) system, comprising:
a PET-EPR insert comprising:
an EPR resonator comprising:
a resonator,
a shield encircling the resonator, and
one or more rapid scan coils (RS-coils) positioned around the shield opposite the resonator, the shield configured to prevent electrical coupling between the RS-coils and the resonator while being transparent to annihilation photons and magnetic field scans;
a PET scanner comprising one or more solid-state photodetectors, the EPR resonator configured to nest inside an inner diameter of the PET scanner; and
a subject module configured to house a subject for scanning, the subject module removably insertable within an inner diameter of the resonator.
2. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the PET scanner has a ring geometry with the inner diameter.
3. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the PET-EPR insert further comprises gradient coils surrounding an outer diameter of the PET scanner.
4. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more magnets configured to provide a magnetic field to the EPR resonator.
5. The PET-EPRI system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more magnets are permanent magnets or electromagnets, individually or in combination.
6. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to circulate cooling fluid through or within the EPR resonator, the PET scanner, or both.
7. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , further comprising a computer-controlled gantry configured to transport the PET-EPR insert into one or more magnets for scanning and house electronic leads to and from the EPR module and PET scanner.
8. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the subject module is configured to modulate temperature inside the module or of the subject.
9. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the subject module is configured to modulate anesthesia provided to the subject housed in the subject module.
10. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the subject module is configured to monitor physiological parameters of the subject housed in the subject module.
11. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more solid-state photodetectors comprise one or more photomultipliers coupled to one or more radiation-sensitive scintillators.
12. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , further comprising a computing device.
13. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the shield comprises plastic coated with copper foil strips.
14. The PET-EPRI system of claim 13 , wherein the shield comprises foam to dampen vibrations.
15. The PET-EPRI system of claim 1 , wherein the subject module comprises fiducial markers mounted in recessed areas on a surface of the subject module.
16. The PET-EPRI system of claim 15 , wherein the fiducial markers comprise a pattern of fiducial markers filled with distilled water mixed with a contrast agent.
17. The PET-EPRI system of claim 7 , wherein the computer-controlled gantry is constructed from non-magnetic materials that produce no EPR signals.