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3D Imaging: Advanced Visualization for the Clinician
The Institute for 3D Imaging Technology at ProScan Imaging offers advanced visualization tools, compatible with a wide range of modalities, to ensure that each imaging examination is optimized. Once available only in large institutional settings, 3D applications are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday radiological practice.
Why? Because 3D imaging technologies offer the clinician greater accuracy, finer image resolution, and more definitive answers without the need for additional testing. |
How Does 3D Imaging Work?
Advanced 3D analysis starts with the way the image data is acquired. In traditional examinations without advanced 3D analysis, images are acquired "slice by slice" with gaps between each slice, allowing small portions of body tissue to be skipped during the acquisition.
When advanced 3D analysis is planned the image is acquired in one large slab instead, so there are no gaps in the area of interest. Acquiring all the available data this way unlocks the potential to view the anatomy in different dimensions, with no need for additional imaging examinations.
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The Benefits of 3D Imaging
A 3D volume-rendered CCTA image demonstrates a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft (top three arrows) extending from the aorta (upper arrow) to the left anterior descending coronary artery (bottom arrow). |
3D imaging is a tool to improve diagnostic certainty and reduce diagnostic costs. Equivocal results on a traditional imaging examination often lead to additional examinations, inconvenience for the patient, and sometimes delays in treatment. Advanced 3D analysis is often used to provide clarity in the following clinical situations:
- When performing MRI of the spine, a virtual myelogram can be created using advanced 3D analysis. Unlike a traditional spinal myelogram, the procedure is completely painless, non-invasive, and may be performed without an injection of contrast material.
- When performing MRI of the knee, 3D reformatting aids the radiologist in precisely localizing loose bodies and meniscal tears, showing the surgeon exactly where to place the scope.
- When performing MRI of the breast, radiologists use 3D technology to create models of suspicious masses, permitting precise localization of the mass relative to the nipple and other anatomic structures during biopsy planning.
- 3D analysis is employed by radiologists to clearly identify findings such as stress fractures that are often too subtle to appreciate on traditional MRI, unless correlated with additional examinations like a bone scan.
- 3D reformatting is used extensively in CT, partly because it limits radiation exposure to the lowest possible dose.
- In the heart, advanced 3D analysis permits the creation of strikingly realistic and detailed depictions of the coronary vessels. This allows the patient to avoid needless cost and risk associated with invasive diagnostic angiography and effectively identifies those at risk of heart attack.
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Diffusion tensor image (DTI) of the
corticospinal tract. | 3D Imaging and Reimbursement
Some clinicians are concerned about possible increased costs associated with 3D imaging. In most instances, however, 3D imaging does not drive additional healthcare cost for patients. In fact, it is a powerful tool that limits the need for additional testing. 3D imaging ensures that the medical treatment rendered as a result of radiologic findings is meaningful and appropriate. This type of analysis is not indicated in all situations, and should only be included in the examination upon the recommendation of the radiologist to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Some examinations, such as breast MRI and CT angiography, already include the performance of 3D analysis in the main procedure code, thus eliminating the need to order 3D separately. Other examinations, such as MRI of the knee or spine, are sometimes performed without 3D analysis; therefore, a separate CPT code would need to be reported when 3D analysis is clinically indicated. In these instances, a physician must indicate 3D on the prescription and the examination must be pre-certified by the appropriate insurance company.
Insurers today recognize the value of 3D analysis, both in terms of cost savings and enhanced diagnostic accuracy. That is why 3D analysis is a covered service under Medicare and nearly all commercial insurance plans.
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The ProScan Advantage
The Institute for 3D Imaging Technology at ProScan employs state-of-the-art computer technology to perform this important work. Unlike many other radiology practices that send images to outside 3D laboratories, ProScan has an in-house team of technologists and radiologists experienced in the art of advanced image processing.
Among the 3D imaging services we offer are:
- Advanced MR or CT musculoskeletal analysis
- Virtual myelogram
- CAD analysis of breast MR for tumor characterization
- Precise localization of tumors for biopsy or preoperative planning
- Virtual colonoscopy
- Coronary CTA
- Enhanced evaluation of potentially equivocal cases
For a downloadable brochure, please click here. |
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