DYNAMIC 3-D RECONSTRUCTION OF PERIPHERAL VESSELS VIA COLOR-CODED DOPPLER SONOGRAPHY

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