Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography: technology and clinical application

Several studies reported during recent years showed some new possible advantages of the three-dimensional echocardiography in daily practice. Real-time three dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is the only on-line 3D method based on real time volumetric scanning, as compared with other 3D imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are based on post-acquisition reconstruction and not on volumetric scanning. The aim of this study is to give a brief review of the development of the technology of RT3DE and its clinical application.