September 17, 1999

A 3-D image of a brain

In February, the MGH Radiology Department introduced a new service to compliment its range of imaging services – three-dimensional imaging. Under the direction of Gordon Harris, PhD, the new 3-D Clinical Service helps improve the imaging needs of MGH clinicians with cutting-edge technology.

According to Harris, 3-D imaging helps radiologists and referring physicians make faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. Surgical procedures can be planned before entering the operating room, reducing operating time and the time that patients are under anesthesia. Exploratory surgical time also is reduced using 3-D pre-surgical planning. Three-dimensional images routinely are provided for viewing many body systems – including the neurological, vascular, skeletal and abdominal systems – as well as the lungs and bronchi.

Harris says that, since 3-D imaging was introduced, requests have increased steadily throughout the hospital. "Once physicians see the type of information that a 3-D image can provide, they wonder how they ever worked without it," he says. "Neurology and Neurosurgery were the first groups to use 3-D imaging to plan surgical procedures. Now, we are seeing an increasing number of requests from Orthopædics, Vascular Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery."

Once a 3-D request is ordered, a patient undergoes either an MRI or CT scan. Then individual images are processed and put together into a 3-D image in the Radiology Computer-Assisted Diagnosis Laboratory or RAD CADx LAB. In this lab, clinicians can view the 3-D images, or technologists can produce requested images for viewing on PACS, the computer-based digital image archive and review system. Because images can be viewed as a whole using 3-D imaging, rather than as individual "slices" of a CT or MRI image, clinicians can save time in their review. Harris and his staff also are available to provide technical advice to MGH clinicians.

"The most important implication of moving into the 3-D era is the prospect of better care for patients," says James Thrall, MD, chief of MGH Radiology. "Individual examples encompassing surgical planning and reduced invasiveness of the diagnostic process clearly point to the benefits patients may expect."

To schedule an exam, call 4-XRAY and specify that two exams need to be scheduled – one for MRI or CT and one for 3-D imaging. For more information or to schedule a visit to the 3-D Lab, call 4-3667.