IDP (for BMC): Analysis of freehand SPECT reconstructions for phantom scans in different configurations using I-125 seeds and a low energy gamma probe

Student: Kanishka Sharma
Advisor: Prof. Nassir Navab
Supervision by: Aslı Okur
Due date: 02/01/2012

Abstract

The goal of this project is to validate the freehand SPECT reconstruction algorithm for a different possible clinical scenario. Before conducting actual clinical studies, the usage needs to be analyzed and validated by phantom scans.

Background and Motivation

Freehand SPECT is a novel imaging modality that enables 3D nuclear imaging in the operating room. In freehand SPECT, hand–held 1D gamma detectors are tracked with spatial positioning systems in order to reconstruct localized 3D SPECT like images, for example in the breast, pelvis or neck region. Until now, freehand SPECT is mainly tested and used for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedures using technetium-99m as radioactive tracer and a conventional gamma probe. However, after getting satisfactory results in this first usage, further clinical cases come to mind that could be also very relevant for freehand SPECT modality. Using different radioisotopes or different types of probes require different reconstruction parameters and therefore would result in different qualities. One possible clinical application could be using I-125 seeds for tumor localization and a low energy gamma probe. To see if it is feasible, phantom tests need to be conducted and a proper analysis is required.

Tasks Description

* Conducting phantom experiments with I-125 seeds using declipseSPECT cart system and a proper low energy gamma probe
* Registration between ground truth (CT of the phantom) and the FreehandSPECT^? reconstructions
* Analyzing the reconstructions of different configurations using a proper measure
* Generating a report and defining best reconstruction parameters for future clinical tests.

Technical Prerequisites

The student should be familiar with basic filtering and basic segmentation algorithms and as well as he/she should have good understanding in trans-formations and point-based registration. MATLAB knowledge is required. CAMP I/II is beneficial.

Administrative Info

Working Time: September 2011 – January 2012
Project Location: IFL – Klinikum rechts der Isar
Required Equipments: declipse SPECT cart system, low energy gamma probe.

Literature

* Lasser et al. - Freehand SPECT: a New Approach for Intra–operative 3D Nuclear Imaging, IEEE Trans. Med. Imag. 2011 (to appear)
* Wendler et al. - First demonstration of 3-D lymphatic mapping in breast cancer using freehand SPECT, Eur. J. Nucl. Med. Mol. Imaging 2011