A Complete Image Management and Communications Network for the Neuroradiology Service at Georgetown University Hospital

Abstract

A complete image management and communications system has been installed at Georgetown University Hospital (GUH). The network is based on the A T & T CommView® System. In the Neuroradiology Division, this comprehensive network supports a multiscreen workstation with access to multiple imaging modalities such as CT and MRI from both the hospital and a remote imaging center. In addition, the radiologist can access these images from various workstations located throughout the hospital as well as from remote sites such as the home. Among the radiology services supported by the network, neuroradiology has the greatest need for such a system with extensive daily requirements involving the remote imaging center and on -line consultation around the clock. By providing neuroradiology with all available communication links, the radiologist can monitor, diagnose, and consult.The remote site has a subsystem capable of acquiring images and transmitting them over a high speed Ti data circuit. The GUH neuroradiologist can view these images on the neuro workstation or any of the workstations available in the Hospital. Fast and easy access to the images allows a radiologist to monitor multiple examinations as well as to utilize the workstation for diagnosis.To provide the neuroradiologist quick access to images at all times, a PC -based Results Viewing Station (RVS) has been placed in a doctor's home. Images may be sent to the RVS, or the user may request images from the central database at the hospital. Images can be viewed at home either as they are transmitted, or following transfer of a whole study.The efficiency and effectiveness of the system's capabilities with special regard to remote and teleradiology (RVS) operations have been studied for the neuroradiology service. This paper will discuss the current clinical acceptance and use, problems in implementation, and ways these difficulties are being surmounted.

SPIE Medical Imaging 50th anniversary: history of the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Conference

“…Held in Newport Beach, California, the meeting was chaired by Samuel J. Dwyer III, R. Gilbert Jost, and Roger H. Schneider. Architecture descriptions and PACS evaluation papers dominated the meeting, 149 – 165 with a few papers covering archives, 166 – 168 networks 169 – 171 and displays. 172 – 175 Multiple papers described radiology information systems (RIS) and their important link to PACS functionality.…”