The method know as 3d ultrasound is used in early pregnancy, it provides 3d images of the unborn baby. Most times these ultrasound samples are rapidly captured and combined and animated to make a 4d ultrasound scan.
Three dimensional scans works in a similar way to the usual ultrasound methods except that the ultrasound pulses are directed from multiple directions. The ultrasound waves are reflected back then captured to provide information to construct a 3-dimensional image in very much the same way as 3d movies. 3 dimesional ultasound scanning was started by stephen smith and olaf von ramm at duke university.
It’s important to understand that sonologists worldwide have always conjured 3d images of anatomy or pathology in their minds while doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was impossible to do this kind of reconstruction on on information using ultasound scanning. With the introduction of 4d baby scans for the first time allowed us a view into the brain of a sonologist and allowing us to reconstruct the images on the ultrasound machine.
3d imaging should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. There is no data to suggest any harm due to 3d ultasound scanning, its use in non-medical situations should be undertaken with an understanding of the risks involved.
