Development and assessment of a telesonography system for musculoskeletal imaging

Abstract

Background Telesonography systems have been developed to overcome barriers to accessing diagnostic ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities. However, most previous telesonography systems have been designed for performing only abdominal and obstetrical exams. In this paper, we describe the development and assessment of a musculoskeletal (MSK) telesonography system. Methods We developed a 4-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robot to manipulate an ultrasound probe. The robot was remotely controlled by a radiologist operating a joystick at the master site. The telesonography system was used to scan participants’ forearms, and all participants were conventionally scanned for comparison. Participants and radiologists were surveyed regarding their experience. Images from both scanning methods were independently assessed by an MSK radiologist. Results All ten ultrasound exams were successfully performed using our developed MSK telesonography system, with no significant delay in movement. The duration (mean ± standard deviation) of telerobotic and conventional exams was 4.6 ± 0.9 and 1.4 ± 0.5 min, respectively (p = 0.039). An MSK radiologist rated quality of real-time ultrasound images transmitted over an internet connection as “very good” for all telesonography exams, and participants rated communication with the radiologist as “very good” or “good” for all exams. Visualisation of anatomic structures was similar between telerobotic and conventional methods, with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions The MSK telesonography system developed in this study is feasible for performing soft tissue ultrasound exams. The advancement of this system may allow MSK ultrasound exams to be performed over long distances, increasing access to ultrasound for patients in rural and remote communities.

MSK-TIM: A Telerobotic Ultrasound System for Assessing the Musculoskeletal System

“…and lack of easy remote connectivity between slave and master stations [4,26]. Therefore this paper describes research conducted to (1) investigate how adding visual force feed back affects patients' comfort and experience, (2) study how using a wireless connectio changes the delay time and quality of control, and (3) explore how introducing remot control of ultrasound functions can help optimize image quality.…”

“…The telerobotic ultrasound system used in this trial is a modified version of th musculoskeletal (MSK) telerobotic ultrasound device used in the previous trial [4]. Un like many of the existing tele-ultrasound robots, which are designed for abdominal im aging, the MSK-TIM is designed for musculoskeletal imaging.…”

“…Patients living in remote or rural communities would no longer need to drive long distances to see medical practitioners with the necessary equipment or training. As a result, patients would require less travel time and incur fewer expenses while possibly getting a faster diagnosis [4]. A total of 44% of the world's population and 18% of the Canadian population live in rural communities [5].…”

“…A predecessor to this system has been tested and shown to be feasibly used over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) but had room for improvement. Previous trials to develop a musculoskeletal telerobotic machine had a few limitations such as lack of remote control of ultrasound functions, lack of force feedback, and lack of easy remote connectivity between slave and master stations [4,26]. Therefore, this paper describes research conducted to (1) investigate how adding visual force feedback affects patients' comfort and experience, (2) study how using a wireless connection changes the delay time and quality of control, and (3) explore how introducing remote control of ultrasound functions can help optimize image quality.…”

Ultrasound robots: ready-to-use solutions and perspective directions.

“…Для отображения опорно-двигательной системы так же возможно использование телеультразвукового робота [17]. Авторами был разработан робот с 4 степенями свободы, удерживающий датчик УЗИ.…”