Two-Level Multi-Pinhole Collimator for SPECT Imaging Using a Small-Field-of-View Gamma Camera

The aim of this study was to develop a high-throughput imaging method for single-photon emission computed tomography. We developed a target-oriented multi-pinhole collimator and limited-angle method for scanning small organs such as the thyroid. To maximize the resolution and the sensitivity of the collimator, we designed a two-level multi-pinhole collimator whose levels were optimized for concave body contours. One level had a center hole whereas the other had surrounding holes. The limited-angle scanning method was employed to obtain tomographic images by using the collimator located near the body contour of the target, and a corresponding image reconstruction algorithm was implemented. A small-field-of-view gamma camera was used to achieve a smaller footprint. The design of the collimator also considered the dimensions of used gamma camera. Evaluation studies were conducted using the Geant4 application for tomographic emission. The results showed the resolution of the proposed collimator to be more than twice that of the previously designed multi-pinhole collimator while maintaining the same efficiency. Given that the designed collimator can be changed by simply replacing the center hole, the suggested imaging method is suitable for studying not only the thyroid but also any organ whose diameter is less than 90 mm.