Modular PET scanning system that can be integrated into a MRI system

Stanford researchers have designed a modular PET scanning system that can be integrated into a MRI system. The proposed removable PET insert geometry enables a stand-alone MRI system to achieve large-field-of-view scanning, multi-bed body PET+MR studies appropriate for imaging any part of the body (e.g. the thorax) with large axial coverage.
In a conventional combined PET + MRI system, the two systems are permanently integrated together. This invention is lower cost and more flexible since it can be inserted into an existing stand-alone MRI system. However, current PET inserts to achieve PET+MRI have limited scanning capacity (e.g. head only). A key advantage of this invention is its ability to scan any part of the body.

Stage of Development