3D ultrasound

3D ultrasound is a medical ultrasound technique used during pregnancy, providing three dimensional images of the fetus. Often these images are captured rapidly and animated to produce a "4D ultrasound".

There are several different scanning modes in medical and obstetric ultrasound. The standard common obstetric diagnostic mode is 2D scanning. [cite journal | author=Michailidis GD, Papageorgiou P, Economides DL | title=Assessment of fetal anatomy in the first trimester using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound | publisher=Br J Radiol. | date=2002 Mar | volume=75 | issue=891 | pages=215–219 | pmid=11932213] In 3D fetal scanning, however, instead of the sound waves being sent straight down and reflected back, they are sent at different angles. The returning echoes are processed by a sophisticated computer program resulting in a reconstructed three dimensional volume image of fetus's surface or internal organs; allowing one to see width, height and depth of images in much the same way as 3D movies but no movement is shown.

3D ultrasound was first developed by Olaf von Ramm and Stephen Smith at Duke University in 1987. [cite web | title= Three-dimensional imaging system (patent) | author=Von Ramm OT, Smith SW | url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4694434.html ]

Clinical use of this technology is an area of intense research activity especially in fetal anomaly scanning [cite journal | title=Three- and 4-dimensional ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology: proceedings of the american institute of ultrasound in medicine consensus conference | author=Benacerraf et al | publisher=J Ultrasound Med. | date=2005 | volume=24 | issue=12 | pages=1587–1597 | pmid=16301716] [cite journal | author=Benoit B, Chaoui R | title=Three-dimensional ultrasound with maximal mode rendering: a novel technique for the diagnosis of bilateral or unilateral absence or hypoplasia of nasal bones in second-trimester screening for Down syndrome | publisher=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology | date=2004 | volume=25 | issue=1 | pages=19–24 | doi=10.1002/uog.1805 | journal=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology] [cite journal | author=Krakow D, Williams III J, Poehl M, Rimoin DL, Platt LD | title=Use of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of prenatal-onset skeletal dysplasias | publisher=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology | date=2003 | volume=21 | issue=5 | pages=467–472 | doi=10.1002/uog.111 | journal=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology] but there are also popular uses that have been shown to improve fetal-maternal bonding. [cite journal | title=Effects of ultrasound on maternal-fetal bonding: a comparison of two- and three-dimensional imaging | author=Ji EK et al | publisher=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology | date=473-477 | volume=25 | issue=5 | doi=10.1002/uog.1896 | journal=Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology | pages=19] 4D baby scans are similar to 3D scans except that they show fetal movement as shown in the video clip.

If the system is used only in the Obstetrics Application, the ultrasound energy is limited by the manufacturer below FDA limits for obstetrical ultrasound, whether scanning 2, 3 or 4 dimensionally. (The FDA limit for obstetrical ultrasound is 94 mW/cm².) While there is no hard evidence for harmful effects of 3D/4D ultrasound, its use in non-medical situations should be undertaken with the understanding that a risk may exist.

References

Further reading

* [http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/articles.htm#Bookmark4Dand3DUltrasoundScans Article: 3D and 4D Ultrasound Scanning ]
* [http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/articles.htm#4DWhatTheMedicalLiteratureSays Article: 4D: What the Medical Literature Says]

External links

* [http://www.1800sonogram.com Information, Photos, F.A.Q., Franchise, Ultrasound Training, & 3D/4D ultrasound provider locations.]
* [http://www.ehd.org/index.php The Endowment for Human Development] provides numerous 4D ultrasounds that can be viewed online.
* [http://www.babyscan.co.uk UK Ultrasound Community]
* [http://www.prenatalimpressions.net Information, F.A.Q. , & 3D/4D Ultrasound Provider of Orlando Florida]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3846525.stm Scans uncover secrets of the womb BBC News]
* [http://www.4d-ultrasoundscan.co.uk/faq.htm 3D scan and 4D Baby Scan Frequently Asked Questions]
* [http://www.pregnancy-bliss.co.uk/4dbabyscan.html Pregnancy Questions Answered: 4D Scans]
* [http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/ingehertz.html About the discovery of medical ultrasonography]
* [http://www.obgyn.net/us/us.asp?page=/us/news_articles/ultrasound_history/asp-history-toc History of medical sonography (ultrasound)]
* [http://www.askquestions.org/articles/ultrasound Safety Concerns] Details a number of health concerns over this unregulated practice