Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus for examining a body part. The apparatus comprises a device for providing an anatomical image of the body part, such as an x-ray and a device for providing a physiological image of the body part in an adjacent relationship with said means for providing an anatomic image such that the body part remains in the same position during and between anatomic and physiological imaging. Preferably, the body part is infiltrated with a radiotracer and the device for providing a physiological image includes a device for detecting emissions of the radiotracers from the body part. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus for examining a body part has a device for immobilizing the body part and a device for providing a physiological image of the body part. The providing device is in an adjacent relationship with the immobilizing means. Preferably, the apparatus includes a device for providing an anatomical image of the body part and the device for producing a physiological image includes means for detecting emissions of a radiotracer from the body part. The present invention is also a method for examining a body part of a patient which has the first step of obtaining an anatomical image of the body part. Then, there is the step of obtaining a physiological image of the body part such that the body part remains in the same position during and between anatomical and physiological imaging.

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First Claim