[Dynamic 3D imaging of peripheral vessels using color-coded Doppler ultrasound]

3-D reconstructions are established as post-processive methods in CT and MRI. However, these methods permit assessment of morphological findings only. To uncover functional relations on the basis of ultrasound would also be of paramount interest. For this purpose a specific method was developed for the acquisition and time-coded 3-D reconstruction in the diagnosis of peripheral vessels, in particular of the extracranial carotid artery. An imaging device (Acuson 128 XP) with a 7.5 MHz probe, a PC-controlled stepping motor and an imaging system (Kontron Mipron) was used. Data acquisition was performed scan-by-scan in a transverse plane with a slice thickness of 1 mm along the vessel. In every slice position multiple ECG-trigger delays during the cardiac cycle were used. Data were transferred to the imaging system via videosignal. In preliminary clinical application this dynamic 3-D reconstruction method yielded good spatial resolution of the complex physiological flow phenomena in the carotid bifurcation.