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New 4-D Ultrasound At Saint Barnabas Medical Center Enhances Viewing and Delights Expectant Parents Livingston, N.J.— 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,” laughs 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. Enhanced Viewing on New Ultrasounds 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, or visit our web site at www.barnabashealth.org. Date: October 17, 2003
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