A Low-Cost Tele-Imaging Platform for Developing Countries

Abstract

Purpose: To design a “low-cost” tele-imaging method allowing real-time tele-ultrasound expertise, delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis, and tele-radiology between remote peripherals hospitals and clinics (patient centers) and university hospital centers (expert center).Materials and methods: A system of communication via internet (IP camera and remote access software) enabling transfer of ultrasound videos and images between two centers allows a real-time tele-radiology expertise in the presence of a junior sonographer or radiologist at the patient center. In the absence of a sonographer or radiologist at the patient center, a 3D reconstruction program allows a delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis with images acquired by a lay operator (e.g., midwife, nurse, technician). The system was tested both with high and low bandwidth. The system can further accommodate non-ultrasound tele-radiology (conventional radiography, mammography, and computer tomography for example). The system was tested on 50 patients between CHR Tsevie in Togo (40 km from Lomé-Togo and 4500 km from Tours-France) and CHU Campus at Lomé and CHU Trousseau in Tours.Results: A real-time tele-expertise was successfully performed with a delay of approximately 1.5 s with an internet bandwidth of around 1 Mbps (IP Camera) and 512 kbps (remote access software). A delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis was also performed with satisfactory results. The transmission of radiological images from the patient center to the expert center was of adequate quality. Delayed tele-ultrasound and tele-radiology was possible even in the presence of a low-bandwidth internet connection.Conclusion: This tele-imaging method, requiring nothing by readily available and inexpensive technology and equipment, offers a major opportunity for telemedicine in developing countries.

Strategies to Improve Stroke Care Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

“…This software allowed to and fro communication (audio and video), transfer data/file and even take control of the computer at the patient centre. It enabled the neurologist/stroke expert to make decision for a patient at the remote centre without having to leave the expert centre, thereby promoting early diagnosis [35]. …”

“…Linking it to a tertiary or academic centre via tele-stroke will make imaging, evaluation and thrombolysis possible in rural setups [35,84]. …”

“…After thrombolysis, patients can be transferred to advance SUs for further management and rehabilitation [35]. Supplementing the training of current staff to monitor parameters with clear evidence of benefit can maximize their efficacy at no additional cost [86,87].…”

Deep learning for cardiac computer-aided diagnosis: benefits, issues & solutions

“…Numerous researchers have experimented with real-time streaming applications whereby an ultrasound machine, connected to a computer, streams the video feed to offsite devices (17,19). Among these works, many have focused on the feasibility of video streaming to mobile phones and tablets (20,21), while others concentrated on the viability of different internet connection types (22,23). Results show that conducting remote guidance and interpretation on mobile devices connected to low bandwidth networks are possible.…”

Telemedicine in Low-Resource Settings

“…For example, Jefee-Bahloul (9) conducted a pilot trial of telepsychiatry in Jordan using Skype, while Adambounou et al (10) used the file transfer facilities of the LogMeIn web service for tele-ultrasound between Togo and France.…”