The benefits of 3D ultrasound/ultrasound in current practice and applied to phlebology.

The benefits of 3D ultrasound/ultrasonography in current practice and applied to phlebology

3D ultrasound and echotomography are being perfected to offer echotomographic-quality images and 3D reconstructions similar to scans/MRIs. All this can be achieved with relatively inexpensive, space- saving and easy-to-use equipment. Thanks to the ease with which these new technologies can be applied to a ‘simple’ ultrasound probe, and the rapid progress made in image resolution and 3D reconstruction time, it seems highly likely that 3D ultrasound techniques will become standard practice in phlebology, in the same way as vascular CT or MRI for radiologists. The applications are numerous: anatomical location, knowledge of the explored network, possibility of rereading and comparison between examinations, intra- and post-therapeutic control and finally fusion of images with anatomical location with CT or MRI images. Today, it seems that the contribution of these images, particularly in the practice of vascular doctors, offers significant feedback, while the ultrasound procedure remains broadly the same, with little impact on the length of the consultation. What remains to be done is to adopt a new vision of images and interaction between the different media. Not to mention the cost of the equipment, which will undoubtedly fall as it becomes more widespread.