PEM-2400 - a biopsy-ready PEM scanner with real-time X-ray correlation capability

A clinical version of a positron emission mammography ("PEM") scanner has been developed, with an eye towards commercialization and which is biopsy-ready. The system utilizes electronic form-factors based on the compact PCI standard ("cPCI"), which provides for compliance with electromagnetic emission regulations and interchangeability with a growing list of cPCI-compatible parts. Biopsy capability is implemented through software and hardware adapters to stereotactic mammography units, with interlocks implemented to safeguard against patient exposure to moving detector parts. The system features detector banks sliding horizontally in order to attain full-breast field of view, with user options included to "cone down" with directed examination Detector banks consist of arrays in which individual 2-mm crystals are easily resolvable. Maximum-likelihood limited-angle reconstruction is implemented, with a three-fold gain in contrast as compared to existing backprojection methods.