Live 3D Echocardiography with the Pediatric Matrix Probe

Abstract

Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) enables new views of heart valves and the septa to be imaged. While the previous 3DE system was cumbersome, the recent introduction of live 3DE allowed for routine use of the technique in adult patients. Here, we report our initial experiences in adapting live 3DE and the adult matrix probe to the pediatric population. Thirty-four 3DE examinations were performed on children, aged 1 day to 12 years (n = 23; median 4 years) and fetuses 20-33 weeks in gestation (n = 11; median 25 weeks), many of whom had various congenital heart diseases. The pediatric matrix probe (2-7 MHz) was used for 2D, Doppler, and 3DE. New modalities of the Vision 2007 (Philips) were applied: live, full volume, thick slice, 3D color Doppler, the QLAB system for navigation, and cropping. The pediatric matrix probe allows for complete 2D and 3D echocardiography, and new acoustic windows are now available to perform live 3DE. The higher frequency of the probe increases the 3D image resolution obtained in neonates and fetuses. This advancement allows new views of the aorta, pulmonary valve, septa and intra cardiac anatomy to be captured. Real time 3DE is a feasible method in addition to conventional 2D echocardiography for evaluating congenital heart disease.

Validation of 3D Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Volumes, Mass, and Ejection Fraction in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

“…Recent developments in 3D echo acquisition, including higher frequency probes and single-beat volume acquisition, may improve volume and mass measurements in this patient group. 21 Additionally, semiautomated algorithms have been developed that depend on landmark detection, mathematical modeling, and summation of polytetrahedrons. 22 …”

Three-dimensional echocardiography in congenital heart disease

“…The improved arrangement of atoms in these new piezoelectric materials and their superior strain energy density translate into advances in transducer miniaturization. These advances led to the availability of a high frequency matrix 3DE transthoracic transducer that has dramatically enhanced the applicability of 3DE to pediatric populations [ 9 ]. Another example of emerging transducer materials consists of silicon elements.…”

Nouveautés dans l’échographie cardiaque du fœtus et de l’enfant

“…Apparue dans les années 1990, elle est entrée dans la pratique en 2002 grâce à l'avènement de e-mail : acar.p@chu-toulouse.fr. nouvelles sondes matricielles permettant une acquisition volumique en temps réel [7][8][9][10]. La résolution spatiale et l'ergonomie des sondes matricielles n'ont cessé d'évoluer avec des sondes désormais dédiées à l'enfant et pouvant se connecter à des échographes portables.…”