Real-Time Radiologist Review of Remote Ultrasound Using Low-Cost Video and Voice

Use of a Robotic Arm to Perform Remote Abdominal Telesonography

“…First, the expert can monitor the sonographic image taken by a nonexpert operator at the patient site and can assist the operator using only oral commentary. Because finding the correct position for certain diagnoses depends to some degree of the rotation or tilt of the probe, this method does not seem applicable to emergency sonographic diagnosis unless the operator at the patient site has been sufficiently trained [2]. In 1993, this method was tested between the Russian Mir space station (21-day flight) and the ground space research center, but the tests showed it was difficult to obtain very specific views of the organs with this method (unpublished data).…”

“…To reach most organs, including the heart and abdominal and pelvic organs, the system was designed for use with all sonographic probes (mechanical oscillating probe, electronic curved probe, or phased-array probe). The system accepts probes for visualizing superficial (5-10 MHz) and deep (2)(3)(4)(5) organs. The weight (2.5 kg) of the probe holder applies pressure that ensures contact between skin and probe.…”

Diagnostic Accuracy with US: Remote Radiologists' versus On-site Radiologists' Interpretations

“…In addition, if static images are collected during the day and are ''batch processed'' at the end of that day, radiologists cannot obtain additional views (1). To overcome these limitations, the authors of several recent articles have advocated the use of telesonography (2) with real-time transmission of US images through various methods of video transmission (3)(4)(5). Even so, transmission of real-time US images requires the installation of fiberoptic cable and video hardware.…”

Remote Sonographic Interpretation Using a Laser Printer Network

“…Studies have shown that an active role of the radiologist is essential for accurate reporting of sonographic images [3,4]. However, a sophisticated video setup not only requires additional financing but also demands more of the radiologists' time [6]. Their results have been promising.…”