KesnerDDG

Free research software for data driven gating/motion correction in PET

KesnerDDG is research software that can be used for data driven motion correction in PET imaging.

This software was built as a free tool to be available for researchers in the PET community.

For information about using/obtaining a copy of this software, please contact Adam Kesner (kesnera@mskcc.org).

As of June, 2018, software is available for select PET system models from vendors Siemens and GE.

We acknowledge and greatly appreciate the effort of Siemens to make this possible.

We acknowledge and greatly appreciate the effort of GE to make this possible.

The software will be made available for any vendor that allows us to distribute software for their systems.

• 1. THE PROGRAM:

     1. This KesnerDDG executable will accept as a PET listmode file(s), process, and output (a) a respiratory trace and (b) a copy of the listmode file with respiratory triggers in it, and (c) and a data driven “optimal bin” version of the listmode file.

     2. The function of the program is analogous to a hardware motion tracking system. However it runs retrospectively, it is fully software based, fully automated, and no operator or hardware input required.

     3. The program is designed to be simple to use. It can be run by selecting files upon opening, or called via system command line (can be integrated into an automated workflow).

     4. User may select processing variables (~10 variables) or use default parameters

     5. Program can be run on 1,100, or 1000+ scans (via automated "select and run" program)

     6. Metadata are also generated (quality of signal, respiratory trace, etc.). The new listmode file can be used as a source file for image reconstruction, just like any other Siemens listmode file including listmode files created with hardware sourced triggers.

• 1. REQUIREMENTS:

     1. A software license agreement must be completed (between your institution and MSKCC). Details can be requested.

     2. The software is written in IDL. Please download the free IDL virtual machine (v 8.5 or later) to run my code (http://www.harrisgeospatial.com/Support/SelfHelpTools/HelpArticles/HelpArticles-Detail/TabId/2718/ArtMID/10220/ArticleID/17309/The-IDL-Virtual-Machine.aspx#howtodl).

     3. The software is locked to the MAC address (/physical address) of the computer. If you send me the mac address of the computer(s) you would like to run it on, I’ll authorize your system in the software (instructions for mac address - https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=4273).

     4. (Vendor specific) - The software requires access to a vendor executables to unpack code. Suggested contact at vendors can be provided.

• 1. SUMMARY COMMENTS:

     1. As soon as requirements above are completed the executable will be shared.

     2. Methods are referenceable (Kesner et. al., Radiology, 2016, Kesner et. al. Medical Physics, 2016)

     3. Software can support workflows that automatically process populations of scans (list-to-gated image).

  2. This software is built for research. You’re welcome to use it however you like with respect to research.

• • 1. If we get a sufficient user base and interest we can look at collaborative projects.

    2. Image reconstruction research tools can be requested from vendors and and used to program automated workflows.

Output screenshots:

Example KesnerDDG processing

Video shows example processing of 3 listmode files, and demonstrates the ease of using 100% automated motion capture software. As seen in the video, once the processing is complete, new folders are places in the listmode file folder, containing new listmode files, processing information, and graphics. Note - the software runs much faster when the screen capture software is not running. the video capture slowed down processing.