Three-dimensional ultrasonographic telepresence

We have developed a three-dimensional ultrasound telepresence system for re mote consultation. Three-dimensional ultrasound data-sets can be acquired b y relatively unskilled operators. The data are stored in the remote unit an d then transmitted to a consultant equipped with a similar unit. A telepres ence pointing device enables the consultant to re-slice that data-set in an y plane. During the study period, 72 volumetric scans of male and female vo lunteers aged 18-45 years were performed in Bosnia. Field users of limited ultrasound experience (most with less than 30 min of training) were able to acquire volumetric scans, send volume data and interact with remote consul tants over standard communications lines at distances of up to 20,000 km. C ommunications links from 9.6 to 1500 kbit/s were used. Technical limitation s included lack of motion data, lack of colour data, scan artefacts and inc reased scan-to-diagnosis time. However, our preliminary experience indicate s that this technique may eventually prove to be a useful adjunct to teleso nography. Further studies of the technique are needed to determine its valu e in the broader clinical setting.