A model for basic ultrasound set-up and training for 3D/4D ultrasound scanning.

摘要

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound has been available for more than 10 years and is being used increasingly widely. Obtaining sonographic volumes allows for the visualization of data in any plane and in any direction, with enormous potential for medical ultrasound.Acquiring clear and accurate images in 3D and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound requires training and familiarization with the set-up and controls of the ultrasound equipment and software. The ultrasound manufacturers provide training and support for their products, but usually only for a limited time after purchase. The organization of additional training programs for new operators of ultrasound devices is expensive and needs to be fitted into the busy daily schedule. This has led us to design an efficient and cost-effective model for operators to practice set-up and image acquisition using ultrasound machines. We used the Siemens Antares Sonoline ultrasound system (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) with a C5F1 3D/4D 5.1-MHz transducer during our practice with the model.