Volume data may be acquired in several ways depending on your clinical needs.
Freehand acquisition allows you to use virtually any transducer for advanced volumetric interrogation and display. This method may be especially helpful for breast, musculoskeletal and other small parts applications.
You can select the automated volume transducers (mechanically steered arrays), which are easy to use and provide volume data that is quantifiable. These volumetric transducers provide you with the ability to quickly view multiplanar images as well as exquisite 3D/4D views. Clinical uses range from gynecology endometrial evaluation, fetal surface structural assessment and fetal cardiac examination to new abdominal volumetric applications.
The most advanced method of volume acquisition is xMATRIX electronic arrays. While Philips xMATRIX technology is highly sophisticated, the ultrasound system does all the work for you in processing true live volume data for unique images and volume views with exceptional clarity and perspective. The same xMATRIX transducer has the ability to display two live, full-resolution 2D images simultaneously, and you have full steering control of the secondary Live xPlane image.
Remarkable visualization
iSlice - a new volumetric display – makes it easy for you to perform precision slicing of the volume to find the images with the best views and content for review in making your diagnoses. You can adjust the format to display 4, 9, 16 or 25 2D images based on slices from the volume set. You are always controlling the data to best suit the exam needs. When you rotate the volume view, you also instantaneously update the 2D views to reflect the new perspective. You’ll quickly find that iSlice augments your diagnostic, decision making and patient management processes.
Thick slice imaging allows you to select a slice of data, control the thickness, and manipulate it the same as any other volume. All the system processing power is focused on your selected segment and the result is a super clearly-defined area of interest.
Invert is a volume display method that allows the direct visualization of anechoic structures such as the chambers and major vessels of the fetal heart.
Color Invert enables you to visualize directional bloodflow within the inverted volume.
Slice plane imaging allows you to easily display multiplane intersections for improved spatial localization and assessment – all contained within one image.
Automated stacked contours, a semiautomated tool, facilitates faster, easier volume measurements of hypoechoic structures, such as the bladder, gallbladder and follicles.
Capturing the moving target with STIC
The rapid movement of the fetal heart makes 3D imaging more challenging. That’s where Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation (STIC) adds value. STIC is a technology that uses the system’s ability to capture multiple volumes and synchronize them based on a calculated heart rate. The resulting volume image can be displayed and interrogated in real time. Using STIC, you can select various views for displaying the data so you can fully evaluate fetal heart anatomy and function.
Making an impact
When you integrate advanced volume methods, you can decrease the acquisition time of the exam because you are acquiring a few volume sets instead of 30 or 40 images to complete the study. It’s not less information, it’s more. Volume imaging provides you with more data in less time.
+ View the interactive guide to Getting Started with Volume Imaging