Visualization of echocardiographic data using virtual scenes

We present a new approach to 3D real-time visualization in echocardiography, which is realized by an add-on system for ultrasound devices. Conventional 2D images are visualized within a virtual 3D scene representing reality. They are shown as translucent planes that are placed according to the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe. ECG data is processed to provide synchronized visualization of several consecutively acquired 2D image sequences. By updating the scene up to 25 times per second, real-time 3D views of parts of the heart are generated. Additionally, a simplified virtual heart model can be integrated into the scene that approximately matches the patient´s heart. The system is useful for learning conventional 2D imaging technique and can help to improve the assessment of anatomical structures and blood flow patterns in echocardiography