Three-dimensional echocardiography: The gateway to virtual reality!

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the latest developments in cardiac three-dim ensional (3-D) ultrasound. A VR heart model linked to 3-D echocardiographic image datasets provides the observers spatial information regarding a 3-D image dataset and prevents the "lost in space effect" in difficult and rele vant coupled diseases when integrated into 3-D reconstruction software. Sta ndardized echocardiographic views can be selected within the integrated dev eloped VR heart model, and this is the first step to automatic 3-D computat ions with minimal operator interaction. VR heart models open exciting oppor tunities in. the field of teaching echocardiographic cardiology, diagnosis, and examinable states.