Attenuation Estimation of MRI hardware in high resolution PET-MRI

1) Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact

Positron Emission Tomography - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET-MRI) is a recently developed imaging technique that combines the metabolic and functional information from PET with the flexibility of MRI. Quantitative PET images are needed to guide patient diagnosis and treatment. To get accurate values, it is essential to know the location and density of any objects through which the PET gamma photons travel, including the MRI receiver coils close to the body. However, these coils are not usually seen in the MRI images and the challenge is to estimate their location and their attenuation of PET photons. This problem is becoming more relevant for PET-MRI systems that have improved time-of-flight and spatial resolution for PET.

2) Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this project is to improve PET quantification by developing and evaluating PET attenuation correction methods that account for MRI hardware that is not visible in standard acquisition protocols or has uncertain location. Methods to be investigated include advanced PET image reconstruction methods that incorporate estimation of attenuation, advanced MRI sequences, MRI coil sensitivity estimates, shape and deformation modelling of flexible body coils, optical cameras to monitor location. The intention is to develop methods that are clinically practical and robust, and can be used with a range of available PET tracers.

3) Novelty of Research Methodology

Body coils have largely been ignored in the literature as they are designed for low attenuation. However, they do affect PET image quality for newer PET/MR systems. The method will build on previous work completed at UCL related to attenuation estimation for the head and lung, using advanced inverse problem techniques and deep learning.


4) Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

This project fits in the healthcare technologies strategy of EPSRC. At addresses the Optimising treatment challenge by using novel computational and mathematical techniques. The project will investigate novel imaging technologies.

5) Any companies or collaborators involved

Siemens Healthcare

The critical mass of scientists and engineers that i4health will produce will ensure the UK's continued standing as a world-leader in medical imaging and healthcare technology research. In addition to continued academic excellence, they will further support a future culture of industry and entrepreneurship in healthcare technologies driven by highly trained engineers with deep understanding of the key factors involved in delivering effective translatable and marketable technology. They will achieve this through high quality engineering and imaging science, a broad view of other relevant technological areas, the ability to pinpoint clinical gaps and needs, consideration of clinical user requirements, and patient considerations. Our graduates will provide the drive, determination and enthusiasm to build future UK industry in this vital area via start-ups and spin-outs adding to the burgeoning community of healthcare-related SMEs in London and the rest of the UK. The training in entrepreneurship, coupled with the vibrant environment we are developing for this topic via unique linkage of Engineering and Medicine at UCL, is specifically designed to foster such outcomes. These same innovative leaders will bolster the UK's presence in medical multinationals - pharmaceutical companies, scanner manufacturers, etc. - and ensure the UK's competitiveness as a location for future R&D and medical engineering. They will also provide an invaluable source of expertise for the future NHS and other healthcare-delivery services enabling rapid translation and uptake of the latest imaging and healthcare technologies at the clinical front line. The ultimate impact will be on people and patients, both in the UK and internationally, who will benefit from the increased knowledge of health and disease, as well as better treatment and healthcare management provided by the future technologies our trainees will produce.

In addition to impact in healthcare research, development, and capability, the CDT will have major impact on the students we will attract and train. We will provide our talented cohorts of students with the skills required to lead academic research in this area, to lead industrial development and to make a significant impact as advocates of the science and engineering of their discipline. The i4health CDT's combination of the highest academic standards of research with excellent in-depth training in core skills will mean that our cohorts of students will be in great demand placing them in a powerful position to sculpt their own careers, have major impact within our discipline, while influencing the international mindset and direction. Strong evidence demonstrates this in our existing cohorts of students through high levels of conference podium talks in the most prestigious venues in our field, conference prizes, high impact publications in both engineering, clinical, and general science journals, as well as post-PhD fellowships and career progression. The content and training innovations we propose in i4health will ensure this continues and expands over the next decade.