Image Fusion

Course overview

This tutorial is related to Image Fusion and gives an overview of the role of image fusion in Nuclear Medicine. A number of techniques will be comprehensively reviewed: DICOM requirements for transferring data from other modalities Technologists' responsibilities for transferring data and creating volumes for fusion Explanation of principles of image fusion with SPECT, MRI, CT, and Radiation Therapy Step by step instructions from image acquisition to fusion of information Use of image fusion to add anatomical information from CT, MRI, to nuclear medicine's functional images Optimizing imaging parameters in nuclear medicine to have perfect correlation with other modalities, e.g., injection techniques, patient positioning, image processing and patient cooperation. At the conclusion of this presentation, the tutorial user will be able to understand the concept of image fusion and explain the basic principles, will be familiar with the optimal parameters for producing high quality fusion images; will be aware of the increased responsibility to the patient's quality of care resulting from the use of this new modality; and will understand the necessity of close communication between departments to insure a high quality image.