Large-field-of-view (LFOV) scintillation cameras

Large-field-of-view scintillation cameras are general purpose, cost effective, imaging devices if one maximizes the use of the crystal with respect to the size of the object under study. This means using parallel-hole collimation for large-organ systems to reduce the number of views necessary to complete a study or to obtain a better appreciation of continuity of structure. A further increase in photon utization is gained for small-organ imaging with converging collimators, which produce images with superior resolution and sensitivity to that obtained with equivalent parallel-hole collimators. The disadvantages of converging collimators, including decreasing field of view and distortion with depth, have been insignificant in light of the advantages gained. Larger detectors with converging collimation result in much higher photon input rates to the scintillation crystal in routine clinical studies than has occurred in the past. This requirement places added burdens on electronic circuitry of the cameras. Count rate processing capabilities of 200,000 counts per second are currently available and are necessary for present generation first-pass cardiovascular studies.