Module 01. Physics of Cardiovascular PET-Physics of Cardiovascular PET (Presentation)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video is the first module in a physics course on cardiovascular PET (positron emission tomography). The instructor begins by discussing positrons, which are anti-matter versions of electrons that are emitted from nuclear decays. He explains that positrons have a kinetic energy of 511 KeV and are considered ionizing radiation. The instructor also mentions other particles that can emerge from nuclear decays, such as protons, neutrons, and alpha particles.<br /><br />The video then delves into the mechanics of positron annihilation, where positrons bind with electrons to form temporary positronium atoms, which then decay and release two gamma rays. The instructor explains that PET imaging relies on detecting both gamma rays simultaneously in order to create an image.<br /><br />The instructor goes on to discuss image quality and the factors that affect spatial resolution in PET imaging. He highlights the importance of spatial range, angles at which gamma rays emerge, and the physical limitations of detectors. The instructor also mentions the isotopes commonly used in clinical PET imaging, fluorine-18 and rubidium-82, and how their different properties affect spatial resolution.<br /><br />Attenuation and scatter correction methods in PET imaging are explained, as well as the use of CT scans for attenuation correction. The instructor emphasizes the trade-off between spatial resolution and attenuation issues in PET imaging compared to SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging.<br /><br />The video concludes by mentioning the use of maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithms for PET image reconstruction and the improved spatial resolution now possible with digital PET detectors.<br /><br />No credits are provided in the video.

Keywords

cardiovascular PET

positron emission tomography

positrons

ionizing radiation

PET imaging

spatial resolution

gamma rays