Feasibility of three-dimensional intravascular ultrasonography: preliminary clinical studies

J Ultrasound Med. 1999 Jul;18(7):489-95. doi: 10.7863/jum.1999.18.7.489.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical utility of reconstructed three-dimensional intravascular ultrasonography using a voxel-based volume rendering technique. Three-dimensional reconstruction of intravascular ultrasonographic data was performed in 12 patients with various vascular abnormalities during interventional radiology procedures. A stepping motor device was used to pull either a 12.5 or a 20 MHz catheter-based transducer through the lumen of a variety of vessels at a rate of 1.5 mm/s. Images were downloaded to a Life Imaging System for three-dimensional reconstruction. The value of three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging was evaluated in comparison to conventional intravascular ultrasonography. A variety of abnormalities were demonstrated in reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, including arterial atheroma and plaque, aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, aortic dissection and stenosis (May-Thurner syndrome). The vascular branches and accessory vessels, as well as their relationships to each other, were easily demonstrated on three-dimensional imaging by selecting an appropriate angle, plane, and section of the image. The dimensions and shapes of the vascular lumen were determined in the longitudinal view. Three-dimensional information proved useful for determining the distribution and type of plaque in vessels. Reconstructed three-dimensional imaging allows for global evaluation of the dissection entry site, extent of the flap, and the false lumen of a pseudoaneurysm. Intravascular three-dimensional ultrasonography provides information complementary to that obtained with two-dimensional imaging. It supplies information about spatial relationships of anatomic structures that cannot be evaluated using conventional imaging methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Iliac Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*
  • Vascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vena Cava Filters
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging