Three-dimensional ultrasound scanning

Authors

Aaron Fenster
Grace Parraga
Jeff Bax

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-6-2011

Journal

Interface Focus

Volume

1

Issue

4

First Page

503

Last Page

519

URL with Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2011.0019

Abstract

The past two decades have witnessed developments of new imaging techniques that provide three-dimensional images about the interior of the human body in a manner never before available. Ultrasound (US) imaging is an important cost-effective technique used routinely in the management of a number of diseases. However, two-dimensional viewing of three-dimensional anatomy, using conventional two-dimensional US, limits our ability to quantify and visualize the anatomy and guide therapy, because multiple two-dimensional images must be integrated mentally. This practice is inefficient, and may lead to variability and incorrect diagnoses. Investigators and companies have addressed these limitations by developing three-dimensional US techniques. Thus, in this paper, we review the various techniques that are in current use in three-dimensional US imaging systems, with a particular emphasis placed on the geometric accuracy of the generation of three-dimensional images. The principles involved in three-dimensional US imaging are then illustrated with a diagnostic and an interventional application: (i) three-dimensional carotid US imaging for quantification and monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis and (ii) three-dimensional US-guided prostate biopsy.

Notes

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: A Fenster, G Parraga & J Bax. (2011). Three-dimensional ultrasound scanning. Interface Focus, 1(4): 503-519, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2011.0019.