Three-Dimensional Ultrasound

Instrumentally produced images greatly extend the range of human vision. Consequently, numerous technologies have been developed to create them. Perhaps one of the most useful of these consists of ultrasound. Three-dimensional reconstructions of ultrasound images make them easier to understand. Thus, in recent years, several three-dimensional ultrasonographic systems have been applied to various uses. Perhaps, at some time in the future, such systems will not only display information, but interpret it as well.

The anatomic structures and physiologic processes responsible for vision provide humans with an extremely effective mechanism for gathering information. This system can be substantially enhanced through the use of instruments (7:9-29). Biology and medicine both involve the observation of living structures. In the past, this information was gathered either indirectly by inference, or directly through vivisection or postmortem examination. During the last several decades, however, scientists, physicians, and surgeons have begun to employ various modern imaging technologies. The different methods available--e.g., computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, etc.--obtain information non-invasively, non-destructively, and painlessly (8:315-322). Thus, the techniques can be used on experimental subjects or patients to delineate physiologic and biologic processes. Furthermore, such objectives may be

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-81). In 1993, Picot, Rickey, Mitchell, Rankin, & Fenster additionally created 3-D ultrasound images of vessel blood flow using modified 2-D equipment. The researchers mounted a motor-driven, hand-held translation assembly such that the translation axis was at a right angle to the imaging plane. They then moved the transducer probe in a direction transverse to targeted blood vessels to produce sets of planar images. Contiguous images within these sets were subsequently combined to create a volume image (5:95-104). More recent advances in three-dimensional ultrasound have included the development of stereotactic techniques. Stereotactic ultrasonography involves registering ultrasound images within a defined coordinate system. Using an optical position-sensing system, the position of the ultrasound probe is determined with respect to the coordinate system. Trobaugh, Trobaugh, & Richard (1994) found that the probe's position in space could be delineated with an accuracy of 1.5 millimeters (8:315-322). With a pre-determined probe position, 3-D volumes were then generated by registering several ultrasound images. Trobaugh et al. (1994)'s images can be taken in a variety of orientations. This is because the system's volu
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