3D technology has become pervasive in society today. Whether it's blockbuster movies employing 3D to make action jump off the screen or the manufacturing industry leveraging 3D printers to create new pieces of machinery, uses for the technology are growing by leaps and bounds.
In women's health, 3D ultrasound technologies can play a critical role in regular gynecologic care — and not just for obstetrics. New 3D ultrasounds make it easier for doctors to see the whole uterus and provide more services at the point of care.
3D Ultrasound Technologies Drive Better Patient Care
One of the biggest draws to advanced imaging technologies is the ability to collect more information to help in making a confident diagnosis. Getting better views of the uterus provides gynecologists with more information for clinical decision-making, and it also offers immediate access to images to discuss with patients.
Timeliness is just one of the advantages for patients. Ultrasound's ease of use means women can stay within a single practice to receive their exams, and their gynecologists can reach a diagnosis and start any necessary treatment quickly thanks to the immediacy of results. Perhaps most advantageous for the patient is that this can all be achieved without paying more for expensive exams or waiting weeks for follow-up appointments with specialists in other offices.
Ready to learn more? The following are three ways today's 3D ultrasound imaging benefit gynecologists and their patients.
1. Faster Diagnosis
Gynecologists can diagnose patients faster and more accurately with the help of the enhanced views that 3D ultrasounds offer. These systems allow physicians to not only see the traditional sagittal and transverse planes but also the coronal plane, which provides additional information and increased clarity to aid in the discovery of any issues. Physicians have more control over what they see during the procedure and greater confidence in treatment planning. All of this is accomplished in fewer steps than in the past because of 3D ultrasound's ease of use and its availability within a practice.
The ability to view three planes offers a more detailed, complete view of the whole uterus. The coronal plane, which traditional 2D ultrasounds are unable to image, shows the outer contour and shape of the uterus, as well as improved endometrium delineation and more accurate visualization of any structural abnormalities. As a result, physicians can more accurately see and diagnose congenital uterine
Sagittal view of the uterus using 2D Ultrasound
3D Ultrasound Technology Aids in Identifying Congenital Uterine Defects.
3D Ultrasound Technology Aids in Identifying Congenital Uterine Defects.
anomalies. This allows for better preconception planning and saves patients from having to undergo more invasive procedures to spot these defects, according to a review in the Diagnostics.
2. Cost-Effective Exams
Ultrasound systems provide a cost-effective tool for diagnosis, especially when compared to other technologies such as CT or MRI. Patients do not have to schedule multiple appointments with different doctors at various locations — they can have any necessary exams done with their gynecologist at the primary point of care.
3D ultrasounds assist physicians in spotting and diagnosing women's health issues as soon as possible. Because 3D offers views not seen on 2D ultrasounds, like that of the coronal plane, gynecologists can more easily diagnose issues such as congenital anomalies or improper IUD placement.
Advanced ultrasounds can even help gynecologists reduce operational costs. Applications available through ultrasound systems allow physicians to store imaging studies for later review in a cloud-based system, meaning no bulky, expensive, on-site storage or additional IT support is needed.
3. Increased Patient Satisfaction
Diagnosing problems faster and avoiding costly exams are just two of the benefits of 3D ultrasounds, but they're only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ensuring satisfied patients. Many will appreciate the reduced waiting times for tests and results, as well as the fact that ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation and more comfortable than alternative exams.
A study by AKASA identified top patient priorities that impact the healthcare provider they choose as quality of care, convenience and quick access to healthcare. 3D ultrasounds help in this regard because no one has to wait for follow-up appointments or chase down referrals. Instead, women can have noninvasive exams done in their gynecologist's office and see the results of those exams in real time. They can then take a greater role in their own care.
Physicians are breaking out of their silos, and collaboration is key to medical treatment in today's healthcare industry. The ability to quickly and easily share images with patients and colleagues fosters a team approach to medical care that patients appreciate.
The rapid advances in 3D ultrasound technology bring great benefits to gynecology practices and patients alike. By providing detailed imaging studies in the comfort of an office setting, patients don't have to travel to other centers and, in some cases, may be able to avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic procedures.
