Ultrasound in OBG: Know the Latest Developments in the Field

With the changing global scenario in the treatment modalities, there is always room for new technologies and techniques. Ultrasound, a diagnostic tool in Obstetrics and Gynecology, has significantly advanced since its introduction. The latest developments in the ultrasound machine and imaging techniques have opened the possibilities of differentiating the problem better and hence a better solution. Here, we will analyse the latest advancements in ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Latest Development Technologies in Ultrasound OBG

• High-resolution ultrasonography
• Linear Transducer
• Radiant Flow
• 3D/4D Ultrasound
• Speckle tracking of the fetal heart
• Artificial Intelligence

High-resolution ultrasonography

This high-resolution ultrasonography is used in cases of fetal echocardiography and targeted neuro-sonography. Face and neck scan, transvaginal ultrasonography (first pregnancy scan), first-trimester pregnancy scan, Doppler ultrasound, and labour ward ultrasound.  

This technique uses the transducer of the highest frequency for producing high-resolution images with minimum penetration in the tissues. The various image processing methods used to enhance the views are spatial compound imaging, speckle reduction imaging, and harmonic imaging.

Linear Transducer Technology:

The ultrasound imaging techniques done on high frequency using a linear transducer can produce images of very shallow parts and structures of the human body. It occupies the high-intensity images of even the deeper tissues. It helps in accessing the formed structures of the fetus in the first-trimester scan of pregnancy. It even helps in the detection of some abnormalities like laryngeal atresia and cataracts.

Radiant Flow Technology

The radiant flow ultrasound technique helps in assessing the flow of blood in the brachycephalic arteries, the heart of the fetus and the neurovascular circulation. It applies a specific algorithm in gauging the erythrocyte density of a specific area and converting it into a height index. This gets further laid on the high-definition flow showing the in-depth image of the desired area. The portal venous system of the fetal umbilical can also be imaged using radiant flow and high-definition flow imaging.

3D/4D Ultrasound Technology

The 3D/4D ultrasound scans can examine the various fetal structures

including the brain, spinal cord, fetal heart, face, other various structures and fetal defects if any. This latest advancement in ultrasound includes high-density power imaging (2D scan), matrix probing (3D volume acquisition), and semi-automatic analysis. This method helps in the

3D neuro-sonography, spatiotemporal image co-relations, and analysis of face, limbs, and adjacent structures by 3D ultrasound, and 3D printing of the fetal face.     

Artificial Intelligence Technology

Artificial intelligence in ultrasounds is the most recent development introduced in the field of practice. It helps in the identification and measurement of the fetal biological markers automatically.

The recent developments in ultrasound technology have scaled the level of examination through the vision of detailed images of the uterus and the fetus. We have overcome the earlier non-invasive techniques of imaging limited with information and essential facts, which is no longer a hassle now. This offers a lot more confidence, trust, and convenience to both the patient and the medical professional.