Ph Arbeille, K Zuj, A Saccomandi, E Andre, C de la Porte and M Georgescu
UMPS-CERCOM, Faculte de Medecine � Hopital Trousseau, France
MSP (Maison de Sant�© Pluridisciplinaire), France
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Health Med Inform
Objective: To evaluate the performance of tele-echography for on isolated subjects. Method: Three tele-echography systems were used for deep (abdomen, pelvis, fetus organs) and peripheral (carotid arteries, leg vasculature, muscle) organs. The tele-echography was performed using (a) a robotic arm holding an echographic probe, (b) an echograph and motorized probe, both controlled from the expert center, or (c) remote guidance where the operator at the patient site performed the examination under the guidance of an expert sonographer (peripheral vessels only). Results: These methods were tested in the same medical center 60km away from the University hospital. During an 18 month period, 340 remote echography examinations were performed (41% teleoperated, 59% remote guidance). The average examination time (15 to 25min) depended on the method used, anatomy of the patient, and the ability of the patient to move or perform breath holds. The tele-echographies with the motorized probe and the robotic arm provided diagnoses in 97% of cases. These system provided the full control of the probe orientation necessary for obtaining correct organ views. The use of remote guidance was sufficient for superficial vessels examination and provided diagnoses in 98% of cases. These methods were successfully tested on healthy isolated subjects (confinement bed rest). Discussion: Both tele-operated systems provided appropriate views during the examinations but the motorized probe (430g; 400cm3) was much more ergonomic than the robotic arm (3.5kg; 40x35x40cm3). Remote guidance was sufficient for superficial vessels. The control of the echograph functions and settings made the examination quicker and more accurate.
Email: arbeille@med.univ-tours.fr
Journal of Health & Medical Informatics received 2700 citations as per Google Scholar report