A data collection device obtains three-dimensional ultrasound scan information
of a portion of the abdominal aorta. A plurality of transducer elements are arranged
to provide overlapping coverage. The data collection device is first positioned
over the aorta by an operator; a one-dimensional scan with a Doppler sound generator
operating on the blood flow is used to verify proper initial positioning of the
device. Three-dimensional scan information is then obtained and converted from
plane coordinates into spherical coordinates such that the resulting converted
scan line planes are perpendicular to the aorta. The information in each converted
scan line plane is then processed to determine the boundaries of the aorta, from
which diameter information is then calculated. Diameter measurements over a given
region of the aorta can be used to determine and monitor an aneurysm in the aorta.
