Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography using a novel matrix array transducer.
Three-dimensional echocardiography has multiple advantages over two-dimensional echocardiography, such as accurate left ventricular quantification and improved spatial relationships. However, clinical use of three-dimensional echocardiography has been impeded by tedious and time-consuming methods for data acquisition and post-processing. A newly developed matrix array probe, which allows real-time three-dimensional imaging with instantaneous on-line volume-rendered reconstruction, direct manipulation of thresholding, and cut planes on the ultrasound unit may overcome the aforementioned limitations. This report will review current methods of three-dimensional data acquisition, emphasizing the real-time methods and clinical applications of the new matrix array probe.
Sugeng
Lissa
L
Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. lsugeng@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Weinert
Lynn
L
Thiele
Karl
K
Lang
Roberto M
RM
D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006343:Heart Septal Defects / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014159:Transducers; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left