Vascular biopsy of the placenta using VOCAL2 ultrasound software in the prediction of IUGR

Purpose: Firstly, to investigate the potential value of placental vascular biopsy using VOCAL2 software at second and third trimester to define the pregnancies at risk with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Secondly, to prove an effective and novel method to use the software, enabling significant, efficient and easily reproducible results during the scan. Materials and methods: Placental vascular image biopsy was taken using VOCAL2 software, prospectively, during the scan, using a practical approach by optimised machine settings (21 cases with IUGR, 233 controls). This enabled the examiner to take the imag…