Gerald J. Hine

Recent Advances In Gamma-Camera Imaging

The performance of the gamma camera, conceived by Anger 20 years ago, has been improved continually. Recent advances in clinical imaging are mainly the result of improvements in the intrinsic resolution of gamma cameras. By collecting a larger fraction of the available scintillation light with photomultiplier tubes of advanced design, the spatial resolution of the camera is greatly improved. Low-energy, parallel-hole collimators with thinner septa and increased sensitivity are now being introduced. With a multiple pinhole collimator, the heart can be imaged simultaneously from seven directions. Spatial distortions have been minimized, but regular tuning of modern gamma cameras remains critical for maintaining good field uniformity. Finally, the newer gamma cameras show a much improved temporal resolution, allowing the collection of counts at high rates with a minimum of counting losses. Data are presented illustrating the importance of the various gamma-camera performance parameters.