30-year anniversary of ultrasound: Clinical use of 3D ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology (1989–2019)

When the first commercial 3D ultrasound device (Combison 330, Kretztechnik, Zipf, Austria) became available in 1989 ([Fig. 1]) [1], no one could have predicted just how important 3D ultrasound would become. While only the multiplanar mode with visualization of three orthogonal image planes was initially available, various imaging modes have been developed in the last three decades [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] allowing a wide range of imaging options in comparison to 2D ultrasound. Today, anatomical structures can be visualized with almost photographic quality ([Fig. 2a, b]) [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]. The rapid advances in the field of computer technology and the design of special 3D probes have undoubtedly played an important role in this process [2] [7]. However, all of these developments were only possible as a result of the vision of individual ultrasound companies, the dedicated work of engineers, and the ongoing collaboration between developers and users of 3D ultrasound in the clinical routine.

• References

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