3-DIMENSIONAL SONOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF ORGANS

This is the first report in literature on three-dimensional imaging of organs via sonography. The relevant experiments were performed in vitro. Whereas MRI and CT can produce 3dimensional images of bodies by means of appropriate computer programmes, we had to search for special techniques in sonography that would communicate to the computer the exact positioning and arrangement of the individual segments to be reconstructed to supply a three-dimensional image. In MRI and CT the individual segments are arranged parallel to one another; the distance between the individual segments is known; all the computer has to do is to add up these segments to produce a spatial image. In contrast to this, conventional sonography cannot supply parallel segments or sections due to the unevenness of the human skin. Hence, it was not possible to use the computer programmes compiled for the three-dimensional reconstruction of MRI and CT images, in sonography; special transducer guides had to be constructed before this could be realised. One of our special constructions enabled parallel shifting of the transducer to obtain parallel segments or sections, and another construction enabled rotation of the transducer to obtain segments or sections differing from one another by a known angle of displacement. In this manner the computer was able to reconstruct an organ to supply a three-dimensional image-a first-time achievement. Using these devices, we examined a kidney in a water-bath. By means of outlining of the individual sonographic segments, only their surfaces are depicted, and these are reconstructed to produce a three-dimensional body by means of newly developed computer programmes. To also demonstrate the posterior wall of the body obtained in this manner, in the proper perspective, it is better to present the 3dimensional body not only with a smooth surface but to also effect binary imaging of the body by means of the individual original segments or sections. This ensures optimal resemblance to the original sonographic images, since no intermediate spaces between the individual segments are supplemented. After suitable clinical testing, this new method seems to be useful wherever the spatial extension or the surface of a body or organ is an interesting parameter.