3-D Color Power Angio tops ATL releases

ATL is making the leap into 3-D ultrasound with an upgrade toits Color Power Angio technology on the HDI 3000 premium scanner.ATL, of Bothell, WA, hopes 3-D Color Power Angio will be easierto use and less expensive than the dedicated 3-D workstationsmarketed by companies such as Acoustic Imaging and TomTec.

3-D CPA works on HDI 3000 scanners without the need for additionalhardware, according to Jim Brown, senior director of product management.The technique can be performed with all of ATL's scanheads anddoes not require a special apparatus or stepping motor to movethe transducer during image acquisition.

The technique creates 3-D images from digital cine loop acquisitions.It can perform either a surface 3-D rendering, in which the surfaceof an organ is represented, or a volume 3-D rendering, in whichboth the surface of the organ and structures inside it are visible.The renderings are displayed as rotating images.

The technique is not real-time 3-D, in which images are displayedas quickly as they are acquired, but is done quickly enough forATL to refer to the rendering as "online reconstruction.

3-D CPA will find applications in abdominal imaging, such asin examining blood flow and vessel architecture in kidneys, livertransplants and renal transplants. In obstetrical imaging, itshould prove useful in examining fetal anatomy. Other applicationsinclude surgical planning and general vascular imaging.

3-D CPA will be offered as a software upgrade on new and installedHDI 3000 scanners. ATL expects to begin shipping 3-D CPA in early1996.

In ultrasound image management, ATL will display its Access system.The vendor began shipping the networked version of Access in September(SCAN 10/25/95).