From 3D To 4D Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging is important to the medical profession. It can be used in diagnosing and tracking many different illnesses and problems throughout the body, but it is best known for its uses in obstetrics for sonography during pregnancy. This type of ultrasound has advanced to such a degree that parents truly are able to get a vivid picture of their child within the womb.


Traditional ultrasound image is produced when the sonographer sends ultrasound, or high frequency sound waves through the skin. The waves are reflected back, and an image results, based on that reflection. In a normal ultrasound, these waves are sent down directly, and send back a 2D image.

A different type of image can be tracked by sending waves, not directly straight down, but rather at different angles. This gives a few different views of the object, and complex computer software combines those images to create a 3D ultrasound image. This means that the doctor or patient can see a full image of the object.

In obstetrics, parents are able to view their baby in a whole new way. Instead of the flat, black and white image of their transparent baby, a 3D ultrasound creates an image of the baby as it really appears. This is an exciting thing for the parents to see, but this is not where the technology ends.

In reality, it is possible for ultrasound technicians to get a 4D ultrasound! That one more dimension added to the 3D means that there is movement shown in the image. This means seeing the baby move and act, as it does naturally within the womb, in real time! This is thrilling for the expectant parents!

How a 4D ultrasound image is formed is in much the same way a regular motion picture is produced. Many images of the fetus are recorded is quick succession and those images are strung together and played back. When shown in rapid motion, you really do get a sense of the movement of the baby in the womb. It is a fascinating look at life in the mother's belly.

The main intent of 4 D ultrasounds is for the parents to see their child in motion. There is not much need of it medically speaking. But the benefits to parents of seeing their child in such a way can actually have major positive implications. Viewing this type of ultrasound can begin bonding and create more of a sense of pride and excitement, as well as responsibility in the parents. Mothers may act more responsibly in terms or alcohol intake or smoking, and other harmful actions.

With such advanced technology of 4D ultrasound, it is mostly used for viewing the foetus in the womb, and it is certainly a great application of that technology and one that many parents, and their babies, are grateful for.

 





Ultrasound News:

 

U.S. Court allows Texas law on ultrasound before abortion
(Reuters) - A Texas law requiring abortion providers to show or describe an ultrasound image to a woman of her pregnancy and to play sounds of the fetal heart does not violate the U.S. Constitution, a federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday. The court ruled that the ultrasound requirements do not infringe on abortion providers' free speech rights, overturning a lower federal court's decision. ...


Appeals court unblocks Texas 'ultrasound' abortion law
A Texas law requiring abortion providers to show or describe an ultrasound image to a pregnant woman and to play sounds of the fetal heartbeat does not violate the U.S. Constitution, according to a federal appeals court...


Ban on unregistered 'on call'
NEW DELHI: India has banned unregistered "on call" portable..


Cervical Length in Pregnancy: Do You Know How Long Yours Is?
My patient was 22 years old and midway through her first pregnancy when she arrived for an..


New, Groundbreaking Ultrasound Technology Delivers Permanent Non-Invasive Waistline Fat Reduction
HAYWARD, Calif. , Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Solta Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLTM - News), the pioneer in fractional resurfacing and non-invasive skin tightening and a global market leader in aesthetic ...


Appeals court unblocks Texas 'ultrasound' abortion law
A Texas law requiring abortion providers to show or describe an ultrasound image to a pregnant woman and to play sounds of the fetal heartbeat does not violate the U.S. Constitution, according to a federal appeals court...


Pre-abortion ultrasound law saves lives - Chicago Sun-Times

Salon

Pre-abortion ultrasound law saves lives
Chicago Sun-Times
The court last week upheld the constitutionality of a new law in Texas requiring that abortion providers do ultrasound exams and that a woman listen to the physician's description of her unborn child and to the heartbeat before deciding whether to .
Roe v. Wade Still Under Siege, 39 Years LaterHuffington Post
Protesters travel across West Texas for Roe v. Wade anniversaryMy West Texas

all 285 news articles »
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Carticept nails down $10M to fuel Q1 launch of ultrasound drug delivery system - FierceDrugDelivery

Carticept nails down $10M to fuel Q1 launch of ultrasound drug delivery system
FierceDrugDelivery
Carticept Medical will launch its new ultrasound-guided, computer-controlled drug delivery system for joint pain medications sometime during its fiscal 2012 first quarter, fueled by a new, $10 million round of Series C financing cash. .

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