HDliveFlow in the Assessment of Fetal Circulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the appearance of the latest three/four-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasound machine (HDliveFlow, Voluson E10, GE Healthcare, Zipf, Austria), HDliveFlow with glass-body rendering mode or silhouette mode will facilitate more precise assessments of the fetal heart and peripheral circulation. The resolution of 3D/4D color/power Doppler using the HDlive technique shows a significant improvement compared to conventional 3D/4D color/power Doppler and the fetal heart with great vessels, small peripheral vessels, and placental blood flow can now be clearly recognized. HDliveFlow with glass-body rendering mode or silhouette mode combines the advantages of a spatial view of the great arteries in addition to the visualization of anatomical landmarks, such as the spine or diaphragm. Its use may provide potential advantages in cases of congenital heart anomalies and placental vascularity over the use of conventional 3D/4D color/power Doppler. This novel technique may assist in the evaluation of the fetal cardiovascular system and fetoplacental vascularity, and offer potential advantages relative to conventional 2D color/power Doppler assessments. In this article, we present the latest state-of-the-art HDliveFlow with glass-body rendering mode or silhouette mode of normal and abnormal fetal hearts, placentas, and umbilical cords. We also discuss the present and future applicability of 3D/4D color/ power Doppler to assess the fetal circulation. HDliveFlow with glass-body rendering mode or silhouette mode may become an important modality in future research on fetal cardiac and placental blood flow, and assist in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease and placental vascular abnormalities. How to cite this article Hata T, AboEllail MAM, Sajapala S, Ito M. HDliveFlow in the Assessment of Fetal Circulation. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(4):462-470.