LOS ANGELES, CA--With the advent of three-dimensional ultrasound, clinicians are gaining unparalleled insight into the human body, viewing internal structures and functions with amazing clarity. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this new technology is enabling physicians to observe fetal development and diagnose abnormalities with advanced accuracy. Under the direction of Lawrence Platt, M.D., chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai's prenatal program offers the latest in both standard and 3-D ultrasound equipment. In fact, Dr. Platt and his associates work with manufacturers to research and develop new generations of equipment. "Developing this technology was no small task," said Dr. Platt, adding that the latest 3-D ultrasound system has been in place at Cedars-Sinai for more than three years. "The sophistication of this imaging equipment has come along dramatically in recent years." With three-dimensional ultrasound, a more natural and "complete" image is achieved through multi-planar renderings that are more readily interpreted by the human eye.