[Development of a system for ultrasonic three-dimensional reconstruction of fetus].
We have developed a system for ultrasonic three-dimensional (3-D) fetus reconstruction using computers. Either a real-time linear array probe or a convex array probe of an ultrasonic scanner was mounted on a position sensor arm of a manual compound scanner in order to detect the position of the probe. A microcomputer was used to convert the position information to what could be recorded on a video tape as an image. This image was superimposed on the ultrasonic tomographic image simultaneously with a superimposer and recorded on a video tape. Fetuses in utero were scanned in seven cases. More than forty ultrasonic section image on the video tape were fed into a minicomputer. The shape of the fetus was displayed three-dimensionally by means of computer graphics. The computer-generated display produced a 3-D image of the fetus and showed the usefulness and accuracy of this system. Since it took only a few seconds for data collection by ultrasonic inspection, fetal movement did not adversely affect the results. Data input took about ten minutes for 40 slices, and 3-D reconstruction and display took about two minutes. The system made it possible to observe and record the 3-D image of the fetus in utero non-invasively and therefore is expected to make it much easier to obtain a 3-D picture of the fetus in utero.
Baba
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical School.
D003199:Computer Systems; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000175:diagnosis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008838:Microcomputers; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D014743:Videotape Recording