Incorporating 3D and 4D Ultrasound into Clinical Practice

Abstract

3D ultrasound has been slow to make significant impact in clinical practice. In a large part, this is because 2D ultrasound is of such superior quality that sonographers have not seen any gain in adopting the new technology. More recently, however, diverse application of 3D technology has taken place in many branches of medicine, with obstetrics and gynaecology at the forefront. Several manufacturers now produce machines of remarkable sophistication and utility. Hardware and software have been integrated to allow the release of information from the ultrasound examination that has hitherto not been possible. In addition, virtual real time 3D images (4D ultrasound) have captured the imagination of both public and media. We report our preliminary clinical experience with 3 and 4D ultrasound in a limited clinical environment. While not suitable for wide scale application at present, we believe this technology has inherent advantages that will secure its clinical role and that this role will widen rapidly in the near future.