Design of an anthropomorphic PET phantom with elastic lungs and respiration modeling

Purpose Respiratory motion during positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be a major detriment to image quality in oncological imaging. The impact of on lesion quantification and detectability assessed using phantoms with realistic anatomy representation modeling. In this work, we develop an anthropomorphic phantom for PET imaging that combines anatomic fidelity breathing mechanism deformable lungs. Methods We start from previously developed anatomically accurate but static human torso, add elastic lungs highly controllable actuation which replicates the physics breathing. space outside is filled radioactive water solution. To maintain anatomical accuracy gamma ray attenuation all mechanisms actuators are positioned compartment. produce custom respiratory waveforms rates up 25 breaths per minute tidal volumes 1200 mL. Results Several tests were performed validate performance assembly, was given execute. All parts demonstrated expected performance. Force requirements not exceeded no leaks detected, although continued use required evaluate wear. determined within reasonable range. Conclusions full mechanical design described paper, as well software application graphical user interface plan visualize patterns. Both available online open source files. will facilitate future work evaluating clinical practice.