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Feasibility studies of an EMCCD-based beta imaging probe for radioguided thyroid surgery

We are developing a probe for image-guided surgery of cancer to be used in conjunction with traditional beta emitting radiopharmaceuticals such as I131 and F18-FDG. This device is based on a combination of two novel technologies, a microcolumnar film scintillator, CsI(Tl) and low-noise high sensitivity Electron-Multiplying CCD (EMCCD). The former allows high spatial resolution nuclear imaging and the latter facilitates detection of signal with significantly higher SNR than conventional CCDs by the virtue of internal signal gain built into its readout register. CsI(Tl) is bonded to the EMCCD via a flexible coherent fiberopic cable for easy handling. Due to its high sensitivity the probe is capable of functioning in real time providing high spatial resolution nuclear images for precise detection, delineation and excision of tumors. The evaluation of the probe using standard clinical phantoms as well as the operational data obtained on swine models and in clinical surgery will be presented.