2006 Press Releases
Women can see more realistic images of their unborn babies through new 4D Ultrasound Technology at Rome Memorial Hospital ROME – When Lisa Greene had an ultrasound at Rome Memorial Hospital to see how her pregnancy was progressing, she said she was amazed by the level of detail in the moving three-dimensional images of her unborn baby. Rome Memorial Hospital has invested in three new GE Voluson 730 4D Ultrasound Systems, which advance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and gives women more realistic images of their unborn babies, announced Medical Imaging Director Brian James. “Seeing Lena’s face was truly beautiful and amazing,” said Greene who is a radiologic technologist at the hospital. “It was so reassuring to see that all of my baby’s organs were functioning properly and that she was growing normally.” According to Radiologist John Restivo, M.D., chairman of Medical Imaging at Rome Memorial Hospital, the 4D GE Ultrasound System is the next step in the continuing evolution of ultrasound imaging. “It allows us to look at the baby or other structures in three dimensions in real time as we do the examination. This allows us to better tailor the examination to the findings seen,” said Dr. Restivo. “In the past, images of the baby were difficult for patients to appreciate. With these 3-D images, their baby looks like what people are expecting to see,” he added. During pregnancy, ultrasound technology is used to monitor the baby’s development and detect abnormalities. For example, the ultrasound can detect a cleft lip or palate early giving parents time to plan ahead to have it repaired when the baby is born. This new technology is very helpful in characterizing these types of findings. It can also show the position of the placenta to determine if it is going to interfere with delivery. “With ultrasound, we are able to more closely predict the due date and determine if mom is carrying more than one baby,” Restivo said. “The technology also enables us to better detect structural problems with the uterus, determining ectopic pregnancies and other abnormalities such as abnormal uterine bleeding, ovarian masses and uterine polyps.” In addition to obstetric uses, the ultrasound system also can be used for breast and general imaging, he noted. “The real time three-dimensional images are what differentiate this 4D system from traditional ultrasound,” Restivo said. “Because this technology offers such a high-quality image of the unborn baby including a clear, 3-D moving image, expectant mothers feel peace of mind,” James said. The 4D Ultrasound System displays the best results of the baby’s facial features when the mother is between 26 and 36 weeks of gestation. For more information about the new ultrasound system, call 338-7027. | 
