Ultrasound Overview
Ultrasound imaging is also known as sonography or ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound is a way of looking at structures within the body without using X-rays or other potentially damaging substances. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, which are transmitted into the body and then reflected off tissues and detected by an ultrasound detector.
Ultrasound produces images in real time, which makes it useful for visualizing organ structure and movement, as well as blood flow. Also, because ultrasound waves are not in any way harmful to tissue, ultrasound is often used to visualize a developing fetus, both to assess its health and for gender determination.
4D Ultrasound
To properly understand 4D ultrasound, it is important to also understand 2D and 3D ultrasound. The 2D ultrasound is the most basic form of this imaging technique. With 2D ultrasound, the sound waves are transmitted down and then reflected back up creating an image in one plane. The 3D ultrasound works by sending and reflecting sound waves at varying angles. Computer programming software is required to analyze and interpret the signals. When the signals are combined, the entire surface of the structure can be seen. The 4D ultrasound is performed in much the same way; however; repeated scans over time are needed. This, in essence, creates a "video" of the structure being visualized.
Ultrasound Procedure
In general, a 4D ultrasound examination begins with the patient lying on his back (face-up) on a movable examination table. The ultrasound technician (also known as a sonographer) will then place a clear gel (primarily made of water) onto the area where the ultrasound transducer will be placed. The transducer is the piece of equipment that both emits and receives the reflected sound waves, and the gel makes sure that the transducer is in secure contact. The sonographer will then place the transducer firmly on the skin and move it around to get images from multiple angles and at multiple time points. Depending on the procedure, the sonographer may be able to show you the video as it is being recorded, or she may record the video and view it with you later.
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