3D-ultrasound

Fig. 23.1. Two ultrasound probes viewed from a frontal and lateral perspective. To the left of both panels an ordinary 2D phased array is shown and to the right in both panels a matrix probe, which enables real-time 3D ultrasound scanning, is depicted...

The final step in formation of 3D ultrasound images is to display the data so that the inherent voxel information is communicated accurately. Commonly, simple rotation of the object on the computer monitor provides some 3D effects. To further enhance the 3D outcome of the images, stereoglasses have been applied (Martin et al. 1995 Nelson and Pretorius 1995). Projection of images by optical holography enables the observer to move around the object and examine the spatial relationships from different viewpoints (Baum and Stroke 1975 Koivukangas et al. 1986 Redman et al. 1969). A typical setup of a 3D ultrasound system is shown in Figure 23.2. 

Fig.23.2. A 3D ultrasound system based on magnetic position and orientation measurement (POM). The Bird System (Ascension Technology Corp., Burlington, Vermont, USA) consists of a sensor that can be attached to the scanhead, a magnetic field generator, and a system control unit (usually hidden in the scanner)...

Fig. 23.5. Scatter plot shows the correlation between estimated and true volumes of a barostat bag positioned in the human stomach after scanning by a 3D ultrasound system. Scanning was performed with a 3.5-MHz transducer attached to a Bird system after stepwise instillation and aspiration of the test meal. The magnetic transmitter was positioned just behind the back of the examined subject and within the performance range of the sensor (60 cm)...

Fig. 23.6. The scanning protocol is shown using 3D ultrasound to determine maximal gastric volume after a meal in patients with functional dyspepsia. Interestingly, the fraction of symptoms per volume (S/V) distinguished best between patients and controls after a soup meal...

Dimensionality. Refers to the spatial and temporal dimensions of the two data sets to be matehed (two or three dimensional, static or time varying). The registration dimensionality can be static 2D/2D (x-ray images), 2D/3D (ultrasound to MRI), 3D/3D (PET to MRI) or time varying, such as digital subtraction smgiography (DSA). 

In this chapter, we review the various approaches that investigators have pursued in the development of 3D ultrasound imaging systems, with emphasis on the steps of the process of making 3D sonographic images. Moreover, an overview on US-CT/ MR fusion imaging will be included. 

Once the volume has been created, it can be viewed interactively by the use of any 3D visualization and rendering software. Visualization of 3D data plays an important part in the development and use of 3D ultrasound, with three predominant approaches being utilized thus far surface rendering, multi-planar reconstructions, and volume rendering (Fig. 1.1). 

Hsu PW, Prager RW, Gee AH et al (2006) Rapid, easy and reliable calibration for freehand 3D ultrasound. Ultrasound Med Biol Jun 32 823-35... 

Li PC, Li CY, Yeh WC (2002) Tissue motion and elevational speckle decorrelation in freehand 3D ultrasound. Ultra-son Imaging 24 1-12... 

Solberg OV, Lindseth F, Torp H (2007) Freehand 3D ultrasound reconstruction algorithms - a review. Ultrasound Med Biol 33 991-1009... 

Brandi H, Gritzky A, Haizinger M (1999) 3D ultrasound a dedicated system. Eur Radiol 9 S331-S333 Bush CH, Kalen V (1999) Three-dimensional computed tomography in the assessment of congenital scoliosis. Skeletal Radiol 28 632-637... 

Bassan, H., Patel, R. V., and Moallem, M., "A Novel Manipulator for 3D Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Needle Insertion," IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Rome, pp. 617-622, 2007. 

Cheng A, Kang JU, Taylor RH, Boctor EM. Direct 3D ultrasound to video registration using photoacoustic effect. Med Image Comput Comput Assist Interv 2012 7511 552-9. 

Renal ultrasound, including 3D-ultrasound and volumetry, will allow noninvasive monitoring of kidney growth. Furthermore, dilatation of the pel-vico-caliceal system can be detected. In cases of suspected reflux nephropathy, isotope studies (DMSA scans) or MR urography should be performed (Riccabona 2007). 

Blackall JM, Rueckert D, Maurer CR, et al. (2000) An image registration approach to automated calibration for freehand 3D ultrasound. MICCAI2000 LNCS. Voll935, Berlin, Germany, 2000, pp 462-471... 

Hsu PW, Prager RW, Gee AH, Treece GM. Real-time freehand 3D ultrasound calibration. (2008b) Ultrasound Med Biol 34(2) 239-251... 

Zhang H, Banovac F, White A, Qeary K. (2006) Freehand 3D ultrasound calibration using an electromagnetically tracked needle. Proceedings of SPIE Medical Imaging Symposium, 2006, pp 775-783. 

N. Strimpakos, V. Sakellari, G. Gioftsos, M. Papathanasiou, E. Brount-zos, D. Kelekis, E. Kapreli, J. Oldham. (2005) Cervical spine ROM measurements optimizing the testing protocol by using a 3D ultrasound-based motion analysis system. Cephalalgia 25(12) 1133-45. 

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