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Development of a tele-echography system by using an echographic diagnosis robot
Kohji Masuda1, Norihiko Tateishi, Eizen Kimura
1Faculté de Médecine de Grenoble, University Joseph Fourier, La Tronche, France. K_masuda@cc.tuat.ac.jp
Summary
A novel tele-echography system using a robotic device enables remote ultrasound diagnosis. This safe and stable system offers sufficient image quality for clinical use over a wireless network.
Area of Science:
- Medical Robotics
- Telemedicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Remote patient diagnosis presents challenges in accessibility and real-time feedback.
- Traditional ultrasound examinations require trained personnel on-site.
- Advancements in robotics and networking offer potential solutions for remote medical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a tele-echography system for remote ultrasound diagnosis.
- To assess the safety, stability, and clinical feasibility of the robotic system.
- To determine the image quality and usability for remote examiners.
Main Methods:
- Development of an Echographic Diagnosis Robot controlled remotely via a wireless local area network.
- Utilization of Object Request Broker (ORB) technique for remote control.
- Experimental verification of system performance with adult patients and skilled examiners.
Main Results:
- The tele-echography system demonstrated safety and stability, even with minor patient movement.
- Patients reported no discomfort from the robot's weight.
- Sufficient image quality for remote diagnosis was achieved after examiner familiarization.
- The system requires a bandwidth of at most 1 Mbps.
Conclusions:
- The developed tele-echography system is clinically feasible for remote ultrasound diagnosis.
- The system is safe, stable, and provides adequate image quality for telemedicine applications.
- The low bandwidth requirement supports its use in mobile robotic telemedicine scenarios.