About

Project Facts

Project name: Innovative Photodetector Module for advanced Hybrid “Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Positron Emission Tomography” Scanners for Nuclear Medicine

Project acronym: INNMEDSCAN

Call: HORIZON-MSCA-SE-2021

Number: 101086178

Starting/Ending date: 01 March, 2023- 30 January, 2027

Budget: €1,458,200.00

OUR IDEA

The main objective of the project is to develop a highly requested equipment in medical markets, a Hybrid Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Positron Emission Tomography (PET-MRI) Scanner. For this, the consortium aims to design and produce a novel highly sensitive semiconductor-based photodetector, followed by the elaboration of the working prototype detector´s module suitable for elaboration of next generation of the hybrid PET-MRI scanners.
The main goal of the INNMEDSCAN project in terms of research and development is to deliver an innovative, affordable and applicable solution for the design and manufacture of high-performance photodetector module to improve the latest hybrid PET-MRI scanners and to test/validate its working parameters in a laboratory environment.
In fact, the development of modern methods of medical diagnostics is an integral part of scientific research, being constantly improved, since high-precision early diagnosis increases the chances of early detection and of recovery of people suffering from different diseases. Therefore, by developing this hybrid PET/MRI machine that provides simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, the consortium aims to provide a technology that ensures a more complete diagnosis of patients.
The uniqueness of the such hybrid technology being developed by the project lies mainly in 4 components. First, time saving, since the simultaneous procedure can take around 30 min, compared to separate PET and MRI examinations, that would take around 60-90 min. Second the capacity of imaging the most complex cases, since PET/MRI can be used for advanced diagnostics in oncology, neurology and cardiology. Third, saving space, since the hybrid machine system helps to optimize room utilization within healthcare organization. Finally, improving registration, since the patient will maintain the same position during the examination in simultaneous PET/MRI scanning, the health specialist will have a synergetic image with better quality.
Moreover, the project also aims to strengthen and broader international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborative networks, to facilitate transfer of knowledge between academics, as well as promote the acquisition of new skills by researchers and innovative staff, and create incentives for career development.

PROJECT STRUCTURE

Work package WP1 – Innovative Detectors Design and Production in Pilot Scale

Task 1.1. Mathematical calculation of detector design parameters.
Task 1.2 Production of engineering samples of silicon photomultipliers in pilot scale.
Task 1.3 Inspection of produced samples.

Work package WP2 - Evaluation of the working Parameters of innovative Photodetectors

Task 2.1 Research and determination of the working parameters.
Task 2.2 Testing devices for radiation resistance

Work package WP3 – Electronic module’s Components Manufacture and Testing. Software development

Task 3.1 Calculation and simulation of electronic boards and components.
Task 3.2 Manufacturing and calibration (testing) of electronic components and software development.

Work package WP4 – Assembled the Detector’s Module for innovative PET/MRI Hybrid Scanners

Task 4.1 Prototype elaboration.

Work package WP5 – Prototype Detector’s Module Testing & Validation

Task 5.1 Time of Flight measurements.
Task 5.2 Patent preparation and application.

Work package WP6 – Management

Task 6.1 Project Management Plan will be prepared in the beginning of the project, summarizing all the required knowledge for the good management of the project.
Task 6.2 Dissemination and Communication Plans Dissemination and Communication Plans will be worked out, discussed and approved during first of meeting of the consortium, then submitted at mid-term stage with an update towards the project end.
Task 6.3 Exploitation Plan to ascertain the areas where the project outcomes can be exploited.

DELIVERABLES

D1.1 Protocol on structural development and properties of silicon photodetectors
D1.2 Protocol on run-card preparation and the algorithms of productions.
D1.3 Protocol on Structural and Surface Photodiodes properties. Comparison with simulation results.
D1.4 Protocol on Pilot Scale production of the novel Photodetectors.
D2.1 Characteristic and Performance of the Photodiodes.
D2.2 Protocol on working parameters.
D3.1 Design and Simulation of Electronic circuits.
D3.2 Protocol on development of Electronic board and Software.
D4.1 Prototype Detector’s Module for PET-MRI hybrid scanner.
D4.2 Protocol on Production design work.
D5.1 Protocol on Prototype Validation Testing.
D5.2 Technical documentation for the product.
D5.3 Patent application & Exploitation Plan.
D6.1 Data Management Plan.
D6.2 Dissemination and Communication Plan.
D6.3 Progress Report.
D6.4 Mid-term Meeting.
D6.5 2nd Work Shop.
D6.6 3rd Work Shop.
D6.7 Project Conference.