Researchers develop wearable brain PET system

Researchers at the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory have developed a wearable brain PET imaging system that allows scans during natural movement and wakefulness, offering a new option for patients unable to remain still during conventional examinations.

The study, led by Peng Qiyu, was recently published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

The system, called SmartBrain, uses a head-mounted design that moves with the wearer rather than requiring patients to lie motionless. Researchers said the technology could improve brain imaging for children, epilepsy patients, patients with Alzheimer's disease, and other groups for whom conventional PET scans can be difficult.

Weighing about 6 kilograms, the device uses 192 detector modules arranged in six rings and can be worn with a backpack-style harness, allowing for both seated and walking scans.

Performance testing found that the system achieved a 2.29-millimeter spatial resolution and image quality comparable to the Discovery MI PET/CT by GE Healthcare in scans of epilepsy patients.

Researchers said the Chinese-developed technology could support future studies in neuroscience, neurostimulation and brain-computer interfaces. The team plans to further improve the system and expand its use in clinical care and community healthcare settings.