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 Joe and Rosemary Tittel were excited to show the ultrasound
photo of their baby to family members. They had the photo
printed from a traditional two-dimensional (2-D) ultrasound.
"Then my sister-in-law, who is also pregnant, said
she had photos printed of her baby using the new 4-D ultrasound," says
Mrs. Tittel. "We said, 'We want a 4-D too!'"
This August, one day before she was due to give birth, Mr.
and Mrs. Tittel had a chance to see their heir apparent on
a brand new 4-D ultrasound. The scan was performed by Edward
Wolf, M.D., perinatologist at New Jersey Perinatal Associates,
members of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Saint
Barnabas Medical Center.
This summer the practice welcomed a new fleet of four ultrasounds
with 4-D capability. Traditional ultrasound images are two-dimensional.
The new system allows physicians to see the image on three
simultaneous planes: transverse, longitudinal and horizontal.
These views, combined with the ability to see movements, bring
about 4-D images. The new system actually uses the traditional
ultrasound machine and a new 4-D probe.
Patient interest in the new technology has been tremendous.
"People have seen the ads about the new ultrasounds
on television and everyone is asking, 'Do you have this?'" says
Dr. Wolf. "The picture they see is the difference between
a live action video with the new system and a photograph with
the traditional ultrasound."
Dr. Wolf says that his practice, whose physicians specialize
in the care of high-risk pregnancies, is always interested
in acquiring the most advanced technology available for the
care of their patients. The image provided by the new ultrasound
has a number of medical benefits. Physicians and sonographers
have an enhanced view of fetal development, which may aide
in the evaluation of babies with certain conditions, such
as cleft lips or spina bifida.
If there are problems with the baby's cardiovascular system,
the new system can provide a more complex view of the major
blood vessels of the heart. The new system allows the physician
to view all sides of the spine, or any organ, and twist the
picture for a 360°-angle inspection. Also, the addition
of "real-time motion" allows them to see that the
baby is moving the appropriate amount for gestational age.
Dr. Wolf adds, the live action view, which clearly resembles
a baby to a greater degree than traditional ultrasounds, may
foster greater understanding of the pregnancy and promote
parent-baby bonding.
"It brings the pregnancy to life for the parents," he
says. "Watching as the baby moves his mouth and sucks
his thumb makes it more real."
For more information about New Jersey Perinatal Associates
and The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Saint Barnabas,
please call
(973) 322-5287.
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