3D-ultrasonic visualization capabilities studying size and structure of atherosclerotic plaques

Abstract

It was studied the analysis of published data on the opportunities and prospects of using the three-dimensional ultrasound imaging method for the atherosclerotic vascular lesions evaluation. It is shown that 3D-ultrasound is one of the most effective and highly informative diagnostic noninvasive lesions of arterial pools. Three-dimensional reconstruction significantly increased the capabilities of traditional ultrasound, allowing a vessel in the image of the investigated area, and receive its projections sloping section, raising the possibility of a detailed description of the pathological process features. The features and stages of three-dimensional images construction, the algorithms of its analysis, the ability to assess the atherosclerotic plaques characteristics: volume, structure and surface condition of the plaque. The analysis reports comparing diagnostic features 3D-ultrasound and other imaging techniques in the study of atherosclerotic arteries, the advantages of the method: non-invasive, portable, reducing discomfort for the patient. It was concluded about the prospects of research on possibilities of three-dimensional ultrasound in the atherosclerotic changes of the carotid, femoral artery and aorta visualization; defining the
structure and volume of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as to assess the state of the arterial wall after endovascular or surgical procedures.