Bi-planar X-rays offer 3D joint visualization
A bi-planar X-ray system for in-vivo assessment of joint function is described in international patent application WO/2009/042738. The system provides accurate (±0.1 mm) 3D visualization of dynamic joint function, and is said to overcome limitations of conventional gate or motion analysis. Developed at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), the device acquires stereo-pair radiographic images at rates from 30 to 4000 frame/s, enabling high-speed motion analysis. The imaging equipment is mounted in a gantry system that provides sufficient positioning flexibility to image different joints, plus an imaging area large enough for the subject to walk, run, jump or throw. Bone positions are determined using software that matches the X-ray images with 3D models developed from subject-specific CT scans.

Time-of-flight PET for preclinical application
A preclinical PET imaging scheme is detailed by Philips Electronics of the Netherlands in international patent application WO/2009/040690. In one embodiment, the PET scanner includes: radiation detectors surrounding the examination region; an assembly to support several preclinical subjects within that region for simultaneous PET imaging; coincidence electronics that acquire time-of-flight localized PET imaging data from the subjects using the detectors; and the reconstruction electronics. The reconstruction electronics perform a filtering operation based at least in part on the time-of-flight information. This operation can include the discarding of non-probative data and association of the time-of-flight data with individual preclinical subjects. The filtered data is then reconstructed to form images of the subjects. Advantages over existing preclinical imaging schemes include improved throughput, quality and flexibility.

Detector combines SPECT and optical imaging
DKFZ (the German Cancer Research Center) in Heidelberg has designed a detector for combined SPECT and optical imaging (WO/2009/047328). The device enables simultaneous imaging of the in vivo distributions of bioluminescent and/or fluorescent markers and radioactive markers, at identical projection angles. The distribution of bioluminescent/fluorescent markers is determined by detecting photons emitted by these markers (which have a particular average energy) using at least one microlens-array-based optical tomographic imaging system. The distribution of radioactive markers is determined by simultaneous (but separate) detection of photons (with a different average energy) emitted by the radioactive markers, using one or more SPECT cameras.

Automated system classifies breast MRI lesions
Siemens Medical Solutions (Malvern, PA) has developed a system for automatic classification of lesions in breast MRI (WO/2009/048536). The method involves acquiring a pre-contrast MR image, then administering a magnetic contrast agent and acquiring a set of post-contrast MR images (a scheme known as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI). The pre- and post-contrast MR images are displayed for the user to manually identify any suspicious lesions. The user then enters values for the size of the lesion and its absorption/washout profile, as determined from the images. The system then automatically establishes a risk of malignancy for the lesion, based on the received size value and absorption/washout profile.

Gain control optimizes Doppler ultrasound
Japanese ultrasound specialist Aloka has come up with a scheme for automatically adjusting the gain and suppressing the noise in Doppler signals used to measure blood flow velocity (WO/2009/057486). The method examines the Doppler signals output by an ultrasound system, in order to determine the proper Doppler gain and to suppress noise manifest in the Doppler spectrum. The noise in the Doppler spectrum is used as a criterion for optimal gain. If the Doppler gain is too high or too low, in relation to pre-determined levels, the overall gain is adjusted accordingly.

MDCT enables angiography, perfusion imaging
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) have combined multi-detector CT angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (WO/2009/045368). The CT system comprises: a stage arranged to support the subject under observation; an X-ray illumination system arranged proximate to the support stage; an X-ray detection system proximate to the stage; and a data processing system that receives signals from the detection system. The CT system offers a dynamic mode of operation - in which a region is imaged several times to determine changes over time - plus a scanning mode of operation - where the X-ray system illuminates a number of regions to provide a 3D representation of the subject's internal structure. The data processing system extracts information concerning a dynamic process of the subject based on signals from both the dynamic and scanning modes.

Fullerenes enhance photoacoustic effects
Photoacoustic tomography combines the advantages of optical absorption contrast with the high resolution of ultrasound. Researchers at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) have unveiled a method of using fullerene-based materials to improve photoacoustic contrast for deep target imaging (WO/2009/059215). The fullerene-containing material can be introduced, for example, through injection, ingestion or direct application. When irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, from a laser, for example, fullerenes generate acoustic waves. These acoustic waves are detected by an ultrasonic detector and used to create an image.