Abstract
BACKGROUND: This pilot study was performed to evaluate whether virtual reality is applicable for three-dimensional echocardiography and if three-dimensional echocardiographic 'holograms' have the potential to become a clinically useful tool.
METHODS: Three-dimensional echocardiographic data sets from 2 normal subjects and from 4 patients with a mitral valve pathological condition were included in the study. The three-dimensional data sets were acquired with the Philips Sonos 7500 echo-system and transferred to the BARCO (Barco N.V., Kortrijk, Belgium) I-space. Ten independent observers assessed the 6 three-dimensional data sets with and without mitral valve pathology. After 10 minutes' instruction in the I-Space, all of the observers could use the virtual pointer that is necessary to create cut planes in the hologram.
RESULTS: The 10 independent observers correctly assessed the normal and pathological mitral valve in the holograms (analysis time approximately 10 minutes).
CONCLUSION: this report shows that dynamic holographic imaging of three-dimensional echocardiographic data is feasible. However, the applicability and use-fullness of this technology in clinical practice is still limited.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 37 |
Journal | Cardiovascular Ultrasound |
Volume | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
Keywords
- Computer Graphics
- Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional
- Feasibility Studies
- Holography
- Humans
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
- Mitral Valve Insufficiency
- Pilot Projects
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- User-Computer Interface