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Abstract

Purpose: To design a ?low cost? tele-imaging platform allowing a real time ultrasound tele-expertise, a delayed ultrasound tele- diagnostic and a tele-radiology between isolated peripherals hospitals and University Hospital center (Expert center). Materials and Methods: A system of communication via internet (Camera IP or remote control software) transferring ultrasound and background videos between 2 centers, allows a real time tele-expertise if there is a junior echographist at the isolated center. In the case there is no echographist at the isolated center, an original 3D program of reconstruction allows a delayed tele-diagnostic with a non sonography operator (midwife, nurse, technician). To locate the probe on the organ acoustic window, the novice operator uses cartography of the acoustic windows established by our laboratory (UMPS-TOURS). A remote control software allows teleradiology (Conventional Radiography, Mammography and Computer Tomography) even with low connection flow. Results: The system was tested on 50 patients between CHR TSEVIE in Togo (40 km from Lomé-Togo and 4500 km from Tours- France) and CHU Campus at Lomé and CHU Trousseau in Tours with an internet flow rate around 1 Mbps (Camera IP) and 512 kbps (remote control software). A real time tele-expertise was successfully performed with a delay of 1.5 seconds approximately. A delayed ultrasound tele-diagnostic was also performed with satisfactory results. The radiology data of the isolated center were well visualized at the expert center. Conclusion: The present system of tele-imaging requiring only a regular and inexpensive infrastructure, offers a major opportunity of telemedicine in particular for developing countries.

Biography

Kokou Adambounou graduated as Medical Doctor at the age of 28 years from University of Lomé (Togo) and had his certification in Diagnostic Radiology from University of Abidjan (Ivory Coast). He has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 33 years from Francois Rabelais University of Tours (France). He was the winner of Young Researcher Prize of SFR (French Society of Radiology) in 2010. He is associate Professor of Biophysics and Radiolology in the Medical faculty of University of Lomé, and the head of the Telemedicine Unity of the Campus Teaching Hospital. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.