The use of telemedicine in medical imaging
The development of remote medicine, or telemedicine, is accelerating thanks to technological advances. Whether it is medical telemonitoring, tele-expertise, teleconsultation or tele-imaging, telemedicine takes various forms, all intended to provide greater accessibility to healthcare.
This concerns all medical specialities, and there are numerous benefits for patients and practitioners.
Radiology was one of the first disciplines to adopt telemedicine, leading to what is now called teleradiology or tele-imaging.
Tele-imaging in practice
Teleradiology has been used for all sorts of radiological examinations for many years now. CT, MRI, or X-ray images are taken with the patient by a non-specialist professional, then sent to a remote expert radiologist/sonographer for interpretation.
These images are generally analysed at another time, without the need for a radiologist/sonographer to be physically present. Innovations in this field have focused on:
- Image transfer speed
- Optimising remote interpretation platforms
- And above all, data security to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of medical records
Ultrasound: a unique case in medical imaging
What is an ultrasound examination?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs. The probe, moved over the skin, emits sound waves. The echoes from these are captured, analysed, and transformed into images by a computer.
It is a totally safe examination, used to evaluate the organs (liver, kidneys, thyroid, bladder, etc.) and to monitor pregnancy. Thanks to modern ultrasound machines, it is also possible to perform Doppler examinations to analyse blood circulating in blood vessels.
Conducting a standard ultrasound examination
The examination takes place in a dark room, with the patient lying down. A gel is applied to the skin to ensure the ultrasonic waves transmit well. The radiologist or medical imaging physician controls the probe directly to obtain the sections and images needed for interpretation.
The examination is quick (about 15 minutes), but its quality depends heavily on the operator’s experience and how precise their movements are.
An “expert-dependent” examination
Ultrasound cannot be interpreted from simple images taken by a third-party operator. It requires the imaging expert to be present during the examination to position the probe, get images at the right angles, and analyse the images in real time.
The slightest variation in the angle or position of the probe can completely change the visibility of an anomaly. This is why it is referred to as an operator-dependent examination, where the quality of the images and their interpretation depends on the doctor’s expertise.
From ultrasound to telemedicine: the contribution of robotic technology
Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool, particularly for emergencies and monitoring high-risk pregnancies. However, the need for the physical presence of a radiologist or medical imaging physician limits its accessibility, especially in rural or remote areas.
This is where robotic tele-ultrasound comes in. It has been specifically developed to address the lack of local experts. Thanks to our MELODY solution, a robot developed by AdEchoTech, the doctor can control the probe remotely while viewing the ultrasound images at the same time.
This innovation enables synchronised medical tele-imaging: the expert conducts the examination as if they were with the patient, ensuring the diagnosis is reliable.
Teleradiology and tele-ultrasound: innovations combined
The fact that ultrasound is highly operator-dependent has long hindered its inclusion in the field of teleradiology. As technology has improved, particularly as robotics have become more common in medical procedures, reliable and secure tele-ultrasound is now possible, even at a distance.
The expert doctor can fully control the procedure remotely, obtain real-time images, and deliver an immediate diagnosis.
Remote medical imaging: a fusion of technological innovations
Among the various branches of telemedicine, remote medical imaging is undoubtedly the one that relies most on recent technologies:
- Robotics
- High-definition image transmission
- Secure platforms
Robotic tele-ultrasound is a perfect example. It allows for remote examinations such as:
- Abdominal ultrasounds
- Pelvic ultrasounds
- Obstetric ultrasounds
- Renal, cardiac, or carotid ultrasounds
The future of teleradiology and telemedicine
Information and communication technologies are profoundly transforming medical practice. They allow for more seamless, faster, and fairer access to healthcare.
Teleradiology, like telemedicine as a whole, will play a key role in coming years, particularly in:
- Opening up remote medical areas
- Relieving overburdened hospitals
- Ensuring equal access to medical imaging