Compact Gamma Camera System for Breast Cancer Imaging

摘要

In this project we have developed a compact solid-state gamma camera specifically designed to image metabolically active tumors in the breast and axillary nodes with the highest possible detection efficiency and spatial resolution. We have assembled final versions of all major components of the proposed compact solid- state gamma camera: collimators, CsI(Tl) scintillator arrays, special low-noise silicon photodiode arrays, and custom integrated circuit readout chips. A prototype 64-pixel detector module was successfully assembled and images of point sources were acquired with this 64 pixel camera. Based on results to date, it appears that our compact camera design will yield very similar performance to traditional SPECT cameras. However, for the application of breast and axillary node imaging, our compact design will have the advantages of: (1) more potential imaging angles, (2) shorter imaging distances and hence higher image quality, and (3) lower cost, making the camera more readily available. Once completed, the new camera may help make scintimammography widely available as a valuable complement to traditional breast cancer screening and diagnostic techniques.