Scanner independent implementation of 3D list-mode reconstruction: proof of concep

Ziel/Aim:

Our aim was to port our previously developed high resolution 3D list-mode image reconstruction for the HR+ PET to the Philips Ingenuity TF PET/MR system. Porting to a different scanner usually requires a major rewrite to account for system specific aspects. Instead, a general interface was designed and implemented in our reconstruction to allow simultaneous support of multiple scanners and to facilitate future adoption to further scanner types. We report on application of this strategy for implementing our reconstruction on the Philips PET/MR.

Methodik/Methods:

We implemented a generalized interface using abstract classes which completely removes scanner dependency from the reconstruction algorithm and allows runtime switching between scanners. The reconstruction obtains system specific information
such as geometry parameters and data formats directly via an abstract interface using internal formats. The port to the Philips PET/MR was performed accordingly and evaluated: i) quantitative accuracy and spatial resolution in phantoms, ii) visual evaluation of patient studies, iii) runtime performance evaluation.

Ergebnisse/Results:

The use of an abstract interface influences the runtime performance of the reconstruction only minimal. The ported reconstruction shows substantial improvements in comparison to the vendor provided software. In phantoms we obtain improved resolution and a high level of quantitative accuracy. Visual inspection of phantom and patient data reveals an improved level of detail rendering.

Schlussfolgerungen/Conclusions:

The implementation of an abstract interface simplifies porting of the software to other scanners. For the Philips PET/MR we observed improved resolution and overall image quality compared to the vendor provided software. Support of Time-of-Flight information is currently implemented and already shows further improvements of image quality at reduced reconstruction times.