A newly developed portable positron emission tomography (PET) system could expand access to advanced molecular imaging during minimally invasive procedures. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have demonstrated a bedside PET technology capable of providing real-time imaging guidance for interventions such as biopsies, tumor ablations and other image-guided procedures.
Interventional radiology procedures are typically guided by anatomical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT). While these techniques provide detailed structural information, they offer limited insight into the biological activity of tissues. PET imaging, by contrast, visualizes metabolic and molecular processes, enabling clinicians to identify active tumors and other disease processes more precisely. Dedicated PET/CT systems have previously demonstrated improved accuracy for image-guided interventions, but their high cost and infrastructure requirements have restricted widespread adoption.
Real-time imaging
According to senior investigator Yuan-Chuan Tai, PhD, a portable PET systemcapable of real-time imaging could make molecular imaging more accessible in routine clinical practice. To achieve this, the research team developed a point-of-care PET platform equipped with a robotic arm that can position detector panels around virtually any organ of interest.
The prototype system is designed to support interactive imaging workflows directly at the bedside. Rather than waiting until a complete scan has been acquired, clinicians receive continuously updated images while data collection is still underway.
To evaluate the concept, the researchers conducted experiments using a phantom model containing clusters of radiotracer-filled structures. Detector panels were moved to six user-selected positions around the target area. Image reconstruction began immediately after data acquisition started and was updated continuously as new information became available. Because image reconstruction required less time than data acquisition, the system was able to provide near real-time visual feedback throughout the scanning process.
Comparable quality, greater flexibility
The study found that image quality produced by the real-time reconstruction approach was comparable to that obtained using conventional PET workflows, where image processing begins only after the scan is completed.
Researchers reported that key structures became clearly visible after imaging from just three to four detector positions. This suggests that some procedures could potentially be completed more quickly by terminating the scan once sufficient information has been obtained. Conversely, image quality could be enhanced further by collecting data from additional positions.
According to lead researcher Xiyan Li, the approach supports a more adaptive and interactive workflow than conventional imaging systems, potentially opening new opportunities for molecular imaging in constrained clinical environments.
Clinical-grade version
The current study, which was presented at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), was conducted using a benchtop prototype. Researchers are now developing a clinical-grade version of the system suitable for human studies, with initial imaging trials expected to begin in 2027.
If validated in clinical settings, the technology could provide hospitals with a more affordable way to integrate molecular imaging into interventional procedures. By bringing PET imaging directly to the bedside and enabling real-time visualization of biological activity, the system may help improve procedural accuracy while reducing dependence on expensive dedicated PET/CT infrastructure.
