Completion Of The World's First Brain PET/MRI Using SensL Technology
The low light detector solutions provider, SensL, in conjunction with the Samsung Medical Center-Sungkyunkwan University (SMC-SKKU), (Seoul, South Korea) announce the completion of the world's first full brain PET to be used in a PET/MRI system at Samsung Medical Center.
A PET/MRI is body imaging tool that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the form of a scan. It gives a full three dimensional view of an organ in the body and the location of disease within that organ. This integration allows the physician to better understand, help diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease more effectively.
The use of SensL's silicon photomultiplier detectors in the PET/MRI system revolutionizes medical imaging as they are capable of operating in the high magnetic field of MRI with no loss in PET performance. The standard vacuum tube based detectors are very sensitive to magnetic fields which have hindered the combination of these imaging systems before now. The PET segment of this new system consists of an array of detectors in the form of a ring that will surround the head of a patient when undergoing a scan. This collaboration represents the first time that PET and MRI have been combined with a full ring of silicon photomultiplier detectors. SMC-SKKU presented these initial results of the system including the first images taken with the PET system at the IEEE Medical Imaging Conference, Orlando, Florida (October 2009).
SMC-SKKU chose the SensL detectors over the industry standard vacuum tube based photomultiplier tube not only for their magnetic field immunity but also for their high drive capabilities. This enabled the separation of the detector from the readout electronics by 9 feet of industry standard cable allowing the positioning of the output electronics away from the high magnetic field of the MRI system. SensL produces both the detectors (consisting of 1152 individual channels) and the readout electronics and bias supply for the system.
Commenting on this new development, Dr. Stephen Keeney, COO of SensL stated, ‘The SMC-SKKU MRI compatible PET shows the unique capabilities of our silicon array technology and its use in PET imagers. We are continuing our development in PET detector products while expanding our supply chain to offer competitive pricing to our customers and the first real commercial alternative to the vacuum tube based photomultiplier'.
Prof. Yong Choi of SMC-SKKU said, 'This was a unique opportunity to bring the solid-state silicon photomultiplier array into a PET/MRI system. The performance advantages of the silicon photomultipliers are clear and we are pleased to be leading in the development of MRI compatible PET based on this technology'. Prof. Choi continued, ‘We have a lot of work left to do to integrating it into the MRI system and look forward to presenting these results to the community in the near future.'
About SensL
SensL headquartered in Cork, Ireland is an international low light sensing solution provider. They develop solid state low light detectors based on silicon technology which is capable of detecting extremely weak signals of light. Low light detectors are used in instrumentation for a wide range of applications such as medical imaging, homeland security, analytical medical instruments, process and environmental monitoring.
About Samsung Medical Center-Sungkyunkwan University
A globally recognized university hospital that provides advanced medical services and research with outstanding faculty and the latest medical technologies. Since opening in 1994, SMC has been realizing the ultimate goal of contributing to the health and happiness of people with the spirit of respect for life.
For more information, visit: www.sensl.com.
SOURCE: SensL