Ultrasound Software Developed for Calculating Number, Volume of Ovarian Follicles

New software called sonography-based automated volume count (SonoAVC) provides an efficient method of calculating the number and volume of ovarian follicles. This is an initial step in assisted reproductive medicine.

The Voluson E8 Breakthrough 2008 software program for ultrasound, developed by GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK), also has improved probe-imaging capabilities, which enable clinicians to see more anatomic detail. GE Healthcare recently launched enhancements to its premier ultrasound system for obstetrics and gynecology, the Voluson E8 Breakthrough 2008, at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) annual meeting, March 12-15 in San Diego, CA, USA.

The dilemma of infertility affects approximately 80 million people globally. In assisted reproductive medicine, ultrasound is part of the baseline evaluation process with the patient. Ultrasound imaging can include an assessment of the anatomy such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and endometrium. Ultrasound can help in surgery planning, as well as helping to detect abnormalities and cysts. GE's new software, SonoAVC, automatically measures and calculates the number and volume of hypoechoic structures, such as ovarian follicles, in a volume sweep. This is an important diagnostic step in assisted reproductive medicine, because each fluid-filled follicle contains hormone producing cells and a maturing ovum (egg).

Bringing automation to the exam can significantly reduce a physician or clinician's time for follicular assessment and reporting, as much as 7.6 minutes per patient. SonoAVC's automation and standardization of the exam increases efficiency and consistency between physicians across clinics, and patient to patient. SonoAVC also generates instant results a patient can see in an easy-to-view report format.

"The ability to automate the follicular assessment using ultrasound enhances the efficiency of follicular volume measurement,” said Alfred Z. Abuhamad, M.D., chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA, USA). "Displaying ovarian follicles in a 3D [three-dimensional] mode allows for an easy visual depiction of the geometric shape of individual follicles and thus enhances the optimal evaluation of the stimulated ovary. A software system that automates and simplifies follicular assessment has great promise in clinical practice. SonoAVC represents a giant step towards that goal.”


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