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Conversion to digital technology improves efficiency in the pediatric echocardiography laboratory
James W Mathewson1, Dan Dyar, Frederick D Jones
1Children's Hospital and Health Center in affiliation with the University of California, San Diego 92123, USA. jmathewson@chsd.org
Summary
Pediatric echocardiography using single-beat digital acquisition (SBM) takes longer to acquire images than videotape method (VTM) but significantly reduces interpretation time, improving overall laboratory efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Videotape method (VTM) is standard for echocardiographic image recording.
- Pediatric echocardiographers are transitioning to single-beat digital acquisition (SBM).
- SBM's potential for improved efficiency requires validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare image acquisition and interpretation times between VTM and SBM.
- To test if SBM acquisition time equals VTM for normal and congenital heart disease.
- To determine if SBM interpretation time is shorter than VTM.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition and interpretation times for 403 VTM and 352 SBM echocardiograms were measured.
- Diagnostic categories included normal, simple shunt/valve disease, and multiple-lesion disease.
- Data were collected from two children's hospitals.
Main Results:
- SBM echocardiograms included more hemodynamic measurements and took longer to acquire (P <.037).
- SBM interpretation times were significantly shorter for all diagnoses (P <.001).
- Acquisition time for normal and simple lesions was longer with SBM; multiple-lesion disease acquisition time was similar.
Conclusions:
- SBM requires longer acquisition due to increased hemodynamic measurements but offers reduced interpretation time.
- Pediatric echocardiography laboratories can enhance efficiency by adopting SBM over VTM.
- SBM improves laboratory efficiency despite longer acquisition times.