Precordial three-dimensional echocardiography with a rotational imaging probe: methods and initial clinical experience.

We report our initial experience with a precordial hand-held transducer assembly allowing computer controlled acquisition of cardiac images for dynamic three-dimensional tissue reconstruction in adult patients. A commercially available transducer and imaging system were used and its video output interfaced with the three-dimensional reconstruction unit. For this feasibility study, 20 patients in sinus rhythm and with good image quality were examined. The dynamic motion of the valves and ventricles was visualized in three-dimensional formats as well as relationships of complex pathology. Although the acquisition time in patients in sinus rhythm is relatively short, the reconstruction time is still too long and requires an experienced and dedicated operator. However, with further developments in computer technology dynamic three-dimensional echocardiography will undoubtedly become an integral if not the principal part of our routine echocardiographic examination in the future.