Real-time quasi-three-dimensional viewing in sonography, with conventional, gray-scale volume imaging

Real-time three-dimensional views of the fetus can be obtained with minor modification to conventional scanners. The modification consists of placing a divergent lens in the out-of-scan plane of the transducer to generate a beam fan-beam in the insonated volume. All of the echoes from which insonates a volume rather than a slice of tissue. Scanning is performed using oblique angles of incidence to provide total reflection conditions. Echoes are then received only from anterior surfaces, automatically generating the three-dimensional views. Intriguing portrayal of fetal detail can be obtained with this form of imaging which is likely to expand the clinical utility of sonographic examinations.