PURPOSE: To demonstrate a simple low-cost system for tele-echocardiology, focused on paediatric cardiology applications. METHODS: The system was realized using open-source software and COTS technologies. It is based on the transmission of two simultaneous video streams, obtained by direct digitization of the output of an ultrasound machine and by a netcam showing the examination that is taking place. These streams are then embedded into a web page so they are accessible, together with basic video controls, via a standard web browser. The system can also record video streams on a server for further use. RESULTS: The system was tested on a small group of neonatal cases with suspected cardiopathies for a preliminary assessment of its features and diagnostic capabilities. Both the clinical and technological results were encouraging and are leading the way for further experimentation. CONCLUSIONS: The presented system can transfer clinical images and videos in an efficient way and in real time. It can be used in the same hospital to support internal consultancy requests, in remote areas using Internet connections and for didactic purposes using low cost COTS appliances and simple interfaces for end users. The solution proposed can be extended to control different medical appliances in those remote hospitals.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate a simple low-cost system for tele-echocardiology, focused on paediatric cardiology applications. METHODS: The system was realized using open-source software and COTS technologies. It is based on the transmission of two simultaneous video streams, obtained by direct digitization of the output of an ultrasound machine and by a netcam showing the examination that is taking place. These streams are then embedded into a web page so they are accessible, together with basic video controls, via a standard web browser. The system can also record video streams on a server for further use. RESULTS: The system was tested on a small group of neonatal cases with suspected cardiopathies for a preliminary assessment of its features and diagnostic capabilities. Both the clinical and technological results were encouraging and are leading the way for further experimentation. CONCLUSIONS: The presented system can transfer clinical images and videos in an efficient way and in real time. It can be used in the same hospital to support internal consultancy requests, in remote areas using Internet connections and for didactic purposes using low cost COTS appliances and simple interfaces for end users. The solution proposed can be extended to control different medical appliances in those remote hospitals.
Authors: Marc Bellavance; Marie J Béland; Nicolaas H van Doesburg; Marc Paquet; Francine M Ducharme; Alain Cloutier Journal: Cardiol Young Date: 2004-12 Impact factor: 1.093
Authors: Robert Justo; Anthony C Smith; Michael Williams; Jasper Van der Westhuyzen; John Murray; Gay Sciuto; Richard Wootton Journal: J Telemed Telecare Date: 2004 Impact factor: 6.184
Authors: Craig A Sable; Susan D Cummings; Gail D Pearson; Lorraine M Schratz; Russell C Cross; Eric S Quivers; Harish Rudra; Gerard R Martin Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2002-01 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Robin Dowie; Hema Mistry; Tracey A Young; Gwyn C Weatherburn; Helena M Gardiner; Michael Rigby; Giselle V Rowlinson; Rodney C G Franklin Journal: Int J Technol Assess Health Care Date: 2007 Impact factor: 2.188
Authors: J P Finley; G P Sharratt; M A Nanton; R P Chen; P Bryan; J Wolstenholme; C MacDonald Journal: J Telemed Telecare Date: 1997 Impact factor: 6.184