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How does 4D ultrasound work?
A 4D ultrasound examination allows a detailed and real-time view of the fetus in the womb using ultrasound 3D images. But how does a 4D ultrasound machine work? During the examination, the 3D image is updated rapidly. The result is a spatial movie sequence. This in turn enables the gynecologist and the prospective parents to observe the movements of the fetus.
In this case, 4D stands for time, or more precisely, for the representation of movement. 4D ultrasound examinations are not only used to examine unborn babies and women during pregnancy, but also in cardiology.
Common ultrasound brands on the market
Basically, a movable probe enables spatial representation. The computer built into the device calculates the 3D image from the cross-sectional images taken in rapid succession. A kind of video is then created from these individual images. It is worth noting that several prerequisites must be met to generate 4D ultrasound images. In addition to the amniotic fluid being sufficient, the fetus must be properly positioned in the womb. Also important are the thickness of the abdominal wall, the number of weeks of pregnancy and the position of the placenta.
The question of how 4D ultrasound equipment works also includes when and why it can and should be used. The first "dynamic images" allowed parents to get to know their children at an early stage. In an impressive real-time recording, movements can be tracked and facial features can be recognized. The first 4D ultrasound images can be useful between the 12th and 16th weeks of pregnancy. Details can be discerned from the 29th week of pregnancy. These 4D images are particularly suitable in medicine for the plastic manifestation of deformities. This applies not only to the body surface, but also to internal organs. Chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 or trisomy 18 cannot be detected, but physical symptoms can be looked for.
What are the advantages of 4D color Doppler ultrasound?
There are a wide variety of 4D ultrasound devices that are extremely useful in medicine. According to the German Society of Medical Ultrasound (DEGUM), each high-quality device combines the following advantages.
4D ultrasound devices reduce the time required for regular ultrasound examinations of the fetus in screening and diagnostic practice. 4D diagnostic devices can store data for remote diagnosis, expert review and medical education in remote areas.
In addition to promoting the relationship between parents and unborn children, the involvement of fathers can be specifically promoted through 4D representations. Psychologists confirm that this is beneficial to the child's health. This process deepens when the child moves.
For medicine, 4D ultrasound devices have the advantage of detecting fetal anatomy and possible abnormalities in it at an early stage. Especially for the face, limbs, neural tube, heart and bones, these enhanced 3D images have diagnostic and prenatal uses as part of ultrasound examinations.
Every 3D or 4D ultrasound device also has the advantages of 2D ultrasound. These include the identification and evaluation of fetal health, fetal growth, fetal heartbeat perception and placental positioning.
The price of 4D equipment is usually higher than that of ordinary 3D ultrasound equipment. The requirements for employees are also higher.
What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound?
Fetal 2D/3D ultrasound imaging technology is a revolutionary milestone in the field of ultrasound examination. The procedure uses ultrasound images to intuitively display the various organs and appearance of the fetus in the womb in 3D. Each piece of information from the system is used in practice to solve specific problems in prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. In the end, parents receive a clearly recognizable three-dimensional image of their unborn child.
What is the difference between 3D ultrasound and 4D ultrasound? The difference is that as a gynecologist, you can use 4D ultrasound to expand the spatial representation of 3D to include a time component. 4D ultrasound equipment can generate such a fast sequence of images in real time that the movement of the fetus becomes clearly visible. This means that parents and medical staff can see 3D images as well as movies showing details of the unborn baby's body. In this way, pregnant women can reduce their fears with ultrasound diagnosis and get early memories in video form.
A key difference is that 4D ultrasound equipment is used when 3D ultrasound does not provide enough information for diagnosis. The same applies to 2D ultrasound. There is also a not inconsiderable array of 3D/4D ultrasound equipment used in the fields of gynecology, oncology, cardiology and angiography.
What is the legal status of 4D color Doppler ultrasound?
Expectant parents, gynecologists and healthcare providers do not need to worry. For gynecological, prenatal diagnosis and other important medical examinations, 3D and 4D ultrasound scans will be allowed after 2021.
