Positron Emission Tomography

"Positron Emission Tomography - An overview"

The talk will be presented by Tom K. Lewellen Professor, Radiology Adj. Professor Electrical Engineering University of Washington, IEEE Senior Fellow

Abstract

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has been an important research tool since the early 1970s.
Originally developed for brain functional imaging, the modality is currently seeing a rapid expansion in both clinical practice and research laboratories.
It is now a key player in many biological areas including cancer, cardiac disease, and neurological function.
It is now big business commercially with the three major medical equipment suppliers (GE, Siemens, and Philips) all providing major systems.
In the Seattle area, for example, 5 years ago there was one PET scanner (in fact, there was just one in the entire Pacific Northwest). Now, just in Seattle, there are 9 scanners and more are coming.
The interest in PET is just not clinical. PET is a key part in many major research efforts, including many at the University of Washington. In my own laboratory, we support protocol developments, image processing techniques (including design and coding of new tools), image reconstruction algorithm development, and design and construction of dedicated systems for both human and small animal applications.
In this presentation, we will go over the basics of PET imaging (why do it all, why is it functional rather than anatomic, how do the scanners detect the positron emitters); look at some current commercial systems; review current design trends and the next major step (Time-of-Flight PET); and conclude with a look at how our own laboratory is building a very high resolution dedicated PET scanner for mice. and then a discussion of design trends for future systems.

For Directions see: http://www.uwb.edu/community/transportation/map.html

For more information, contact:

• Ming Li email