3D and 4D ultrasound in obstetrics

3D and 4D Ultrasound in Obstetrics - Easy to Learn

1. 3D and 4D Ultrasound in Obstetrics Presented by Syed Yousaf Farooq

2. INTRODUCTION The joy parents have when seeing their baby for the first time on the ultrasound screen is one that we can’t help but feel too, no matter how many times we experience it! Watching them hear their child’s rapid heartbeat for the first time is nothing short of electrifying!

3. 3D ULTRASOUND 3D ultrasound  is a  medical ultrasound  technique, often used in fetal, cardiac, trans-rectal and intra-vascular applications. 3D ultrasound refers specifically to the volume rendering of ultrasound data and is also referred to as 4D (3-spatial dimensions plus 1-time dimension) when it involves a series of 3D volumes collected over time.

4. 3D Ultrasound in Obstetrics The progress of growing babies in the womb is difficult to examine as the fetuses are always in motion with rapid rate of heartbeat. So while scanning a womb, the patients need to keep their breath still so the real picture can be captured. With 3D US, the doctors can now detect the movement of fetuses in a flash of second and also take necessary step immediately. In addition to examining the position of the fetus, the problems and any abnormal behaviors in the womb can be detected like accumulation of fluid or any spine curvature. With 3D US and 3D surfacing the heartbeat of the fetus can also be traced enabling the doctor to outline the growth of the baby.

5. Scanning Technique During a 3D ultrasound, the patient is asked to lie down on an exam table. The  obstetrician  or ultrasound technician will then apply a gel-like substance to the patient’s belly. A transducer probe or wand is then placed against the belly and moved around to get the best images possible. The procedure can be performed in 10-15 minutes, depending on the position of the fetus . It is entirely painless and the pregnant mother is generally comfortable all throughout.

6. What is 4D ultrasound? 4D fetal ultrasounds are similar to 3D scans, with the difference associated with time: 4D allows a 3- dimensional picture in real time, rather than delayed, due to the lag associated with the computer constructed image, as in classic 3- dimensional ultrasound.

7. Difference between 3D and 4D Ultrasound

8. Advantages to 3D and 4D Ultrasounds Here are some of the 3D and 4D ultrasound advantages and how they help to determine important information about your baby’s health: Confirm gestational age and estimated due date Monitor size Ensure sufficient amniotic fluid Ensure baby is in a head-down position Evaluate the baby’s movements Evaluate blood flow through the placenta

9. WHY 3D AND 4D ULTRASOUND? Accuracy and repeatability. Less dependent on technician’s ability visualize 2D images in 3D setting  Easier to track growth of tumours /diseases, lesions  No health risks from moderate use  Potential health problems  Too intense  Over-usage  Useful to see structures in motion  Surgery  Diagnosis

10. CONCLUSION Pregnancy is full of unknowns, but there are some areas that don’t need to be full of guesswork .

11. REFERENCE