Three-dimensional ultrasound of fetal surface features

This paper presents preliminary results of techniques which permit acquisition and display of three-dimensional fetal anatomy using ultrasound image data collected as two-dimensional planar images with commercially available equipment. A precision translational stage was used which permitted the transducer position and orientation in the volume to be accurately determined. Ultrasound video image data were digitized into a personal computer together with transducer position and orientation information. All image and position data were subsequently transferred to a graphics workstation. Gray-scale ultrasound data were three-dimensionally filtered, thresholded and analyzed using maximum intensity, variable transparency and surface rendering techniques to evaluate the fetal surface. Images of arbitrary orientation were displayed interactively on a graphics workstation. Our results demonstrate the potential of three-dimensional ultrasound as a technique for visualization of fetal surfaces, extremities and internal anatomy. Three-dimensional ultrasound offers potential advantages over existing diagnostic methods since it is non-invasive and offers interactive review and viewing optimization after fetal scanning.