Solutions based on three-dimensional technologies for the practice and teaching of biomedical sciences

Introduction: Three-dimensional printing is one of the technologies that promote change at an economic and social level, and one of the fundamental elements of industry 4.0. It has enormous potential for the future of medicine, establishing itself as a new paradigm. Despite its advantages, its use in our environment is incipient. Objective: To design and develop solutions based on three-dimensional technologies for the teaching and practice of biomedical sciences. Materials and methods: A technological development investigation was carried out between the Center for Assisted and Sustainable Manufacturing of the University of Matanzas and Matanzas University of Medical Sciences, between September 2019 and July 2022. The designs and fabrications were made from the acquisition of computed tomography images, or from a surface scanner, which were then processed, converted into Standard Tessellation Language format, printed, and post-processed. Virtual designs were developed using computer-aided design software. Results: Various solutions were developed including prototypes: biomodels for craniosynostosis repair and anatomical figures, custom cranial prosthesis mold, hand prosthesis, O2 line splitters, tissue scaffolds, syringe gun, face shields, breast prosthesis; autologous restoration mold and tissue expander. Conclusions: In all areas of application of this technology in medicine―except the printing of medicines, in the current context―, it is feasible to obtain solutions in the territory of Matanzas. It is therefore imperative that managers and the medical community in general, begin to acquire awareness, knowledge, and experience to ensure the optimal use of this technology.

Introducción: La impresión tridimensional es una de las tecnologías que promueve el cambio a nivel económico y social, y uno de los elementos fundamentales de la industria 4.0. Asimismo, constituye un enorme potencial para el futuro de la medicina, estableciéndose como un nuevo paradigma. A pesar de sus ventajas, su explotación en nuestro medio es incipiente. Objetivos: Diseñar y desarrollar soluciones basadas en tecnologías tridimensionales para la enseñanza y la práctica de las ciencias biomédicas. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una investigación colaborativa, de desarrollo tecnológico entre el Centro de Fabricación Asistida y Sostenible de la Universidad de Matanzas y la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas, entre septiembre de 2019 y julio de 2022. Los diseños y fabricaciones se realizaron a partir de la adquisición de imágenes de tomografía computarizada, o desde un escáner de superficie, las que luego se procesaron, se convirtieron en formato Standard Tessellation Language, se imprimieron y posprocesaron. Los diseños virtuales se desarrollaron empleando un software de diseño asistido por computadora. Resultados: Se desarrollaron varias soluciones que incluyen varios prototipos: biomodelos para reparación de craneosinostosis y figuras anatómicas, molde de prótesis craneal personalizada, prótesis de mano, divisores de líneas de O2, andamios tisulares, pistola portajeringas, protectores faciales, prótesis de mama, molde para restauración autóloga y expansor tisular. Conclusiones: En todas las áreas de aplicación de esta tecnología en medicina―salvo en la impresión de medicamentos, en el contexto actual―, es factible obtener soluciones en el territorio de Matanzas. Es un imperativo, pues, que directivos y la comunidad médica en general, comiencen a adquirir conciencia, conocimientos y experiencias para garantizar la utilización óptima de esta tecnología.

Volumetric Assessment of the Insula in a Normally Functioning Human Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Evaluación Volumétrica de la Ínsula en un Cerebro Humano que Funciona Normalmente Utilizando Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Volumetric assessment of brain structures is an important tool in neuroscience research and clinical practice. The volumetric measurement of normally functioning human brain helps detect age-related changes in some regions, which can be observed at varying degrees. This study aims to estimate the insular volume in the normally functioning human brain in both genders, different age groups, and side variations. A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on 42 adult Sudanese participants in Al-Amal Hospital, Sudan, between May to August 2022, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and automatic brain segmentation through a software program (BrainSuite). The statistical difference in total insular volume on both sides of the cerebral hemisphere was small. The insular volume on the right side was greater in males, while the left side showed no difference between both genders. A statistically significant difference between males and females was found (p > 0.05), and no statistical difference in different age groups was found according to the one-way ANOVA test (p>0.05). Adult Sudanese males showed a larger insular volume than females. MRI can be used to morphometrically assess the insula to detect any pathological variations based on volume changes.

La evaluación volumétrica de las estructuras cerebrales es una herramienta importante en la investigación y la práctica clínica de la neurociencia. La medición volumétrica del cerebro humano, que funciona normalmente, ayuda a detectar cambios relacionados con la edad en algunas regiones, las cuales se pueden observar en diversos grados. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar el volumen insular en el cerebro humano que funciona normalmente, en ambos sexos, de diferentes grupos de edad y sus variaciones laterales. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo transversal en 42 participantes sudaneses adultos en el Hospital Al-Amal, Sudán, entre mayo y agosto de 2022, utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética y segmentación automática del cerebro a través de un software (BrainSuite). Fue pequeña la diferencia estadística en el volumen insular total, en los hemisferios cerebrales. El volumen insular del lado derecho fue mayor en los hombres, mientras que el lado izquierdo no mostró diferencia entre ambos sexos. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre hombres y mujeres (p > 0,05), y no se encontró diferencia estadística en los diferentes grupos de edad, según la prueba de ANOVA de una vía (p> 0,05). Los hombres sudaneses adultos mostraron un mayor volumen insular que las mujeres. La resonancia magnética se puede utilizar para evaluar morfométricamente la ínsula y para detectar cualquier variación patológica basada en cambios de volumen.

Secure Exchange of Medical Images Via Extended Visual Cryptography / Intercambio Seguro de Imágenes Médicas Mediante Criptografía Visual Extendida

ABSTRACT Medical image security is acquiring its importance to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of information (medical data) from malicious users given its importance in timely and successful diagnosis. In this context, several techniques have been developed to protect medical images, such as encryption, data hiding, image tagging, application of Hash algorithms, etc. This paper proposes a technique to cipher medical images by adding the metadata inside a cover image, based on extended visual cryptography as well as the inclusion of a Hash-like function to verify the integrity of the image and the metadata once they are recovered. The method proposed in this work is implemented using medical images with a grayscale resolution of [0,4095] that is a depth of 12 bits/pixel and color images with 24 bits/pixel depth. Experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed method in the task of secure exchange of medical images by allowing higher hiding capability, lower distortion in the visual quality of the image with the hidden medical data, as well as a means to verify the integrity of the sent data, compared to state-of-the-art.

RESUMEN La seguridad de imágenes médicas está incrementando su importancia para preservar la integridad y la confidencialidad de la información (datos médicos), frente a usuarios malintencionados dada su importancia en el diagnóstico oportuno y acertado. En este contexto, se han desarrollado varias técnicas para proteger las imágenes médicas, como el cifrado, la ocultación de datos, el etiquetado de imágenes, la aplicación de algoritmos Hash, etc. Este trabajo propone una técnica para cifrar imágenes médicas añadiendo los metadatos dentro de una imagen de cubierta, basada en la criptografía visual extendida, así como la inclusión de una función tipo Hash para comprobar la integridad de la imagen y los metadatos una vez estos sean recuperados. El método propuesto en este trabajo se implementa utilizando imágenes médicas con una resolución en escala de grises de [0,4095] es decir una profundidad de 12 bits/ píxel e imágenes en color con 24 bits/píxel de profundidad. Los resultados experimentales demuestran la eficacia del método propuesto en la tarea de transmisión segura de imágenes médicas permitiendo una mayor capacidad de ocultamiento, una menor distorsión en la calidad visual de la imagen con los datos médicos ocultos, así como un medio para comprobar la integridad de los datos enviados, en comparación con los artículos publicados.

Análisis Descriptivo y Cualitativo de Tres Software Gratuitos Usados para la Conversión de Formato DICOM para STL / Descriptive and Qualitative Analysis of Three Free Software Used to Convert From DICOM to STL Format

RESUMEN: Los exámenes imagenológicos tridimensionales en odontología son cada día mas frecuentes, contando también con algunas tecnologías gratuitas; el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar tres software gratuitos de conversión desde el formato DICOM al STL. Se evaluaron los programas computacionales 3DSlicer, InVesalius e ImageVis3D. La metodología empleada para evaluar fue basada en el modelo del proceso de evaluación de calidad, según la norma NBR ISO / IEC 9126-, incluyendo 6 observadores en la investigación. Se determinó que el programa más fácil de manipular en la etapa de segmentación, en la representación de volumen y en la conversión de archivos STL fue InVesalius, pero el programa más completo y preciso, para estas fases fue el software 3DSlider. Se puede concluir es necesario un entrenamiento adecuado para que la manipulación de estos programas sea lo más preciso posible.

ABSTRACT: The three-dimensional imaging in medical sciences nowadays is increasing and some of these technologies are free; the aim of this study was to analyze three free conversion software: 3DSlicer, InVesalius and ImageVis3D. The methodology used to evaluate the software was based on the model of the quality evaluation process, according to the standard NBR ISO/IEC 9126-1. It was observed that the easiest software to manipulate in the segmentation stage, in the representation of volume and in the conversion of STL (Standard Tessellation Language) files was InVesalius, but the most complete and precise software for these phases was the 3DSlider software. Thus, it was concluded that adequate training is necessary so that the handling of these three software is as accurate as possible.

High-throughput image labeling and quality control for clinical trials using machine learning

Background:Manually importing and analyzing image data can be time-consuming, prone to human error, and costly for large clinical trial datasets. This can lead to delays in quality control (QC) feedback to imaging sites and in obtaining data analysis results. Herein we describe the creation and application of a high-throughput review process for import, classification, labeling and QC of large multimodal clinical trial image datasets.Methods:Automated methods were used to remove patient identifying information, extract image header data, and filter image data for usability. A convolutional neural net was applied to estimate anatomy for CT images. Internal scores were assigned for each image series to identify the optimal series for labeling and reading of each anatomical region. Image QC reports were automatically generated for all patients.Results:In combined studies for which 204,492 series were received, 27,841 series were identified as usable and 13,415 series were labeled. Using this high-throughput method, total work-hours required per time point were reduced by an approximate factor of ten when compared to traditional review and labeling methods. Our anatomic classification system identified 95.7% of image series correctly, with the remaining series being manually corrected before labeling and analysis. Conclusions: A high-throughput image analysis pipeline was implemented in a large combined dataset of clinical trial image series. This pipeline can be applied across other studies and modalities for fast image data characterization, labeling and QC.

Comparison of digital radiography's entrance surface doses computed from DICOM file or directly from TLDs / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To make comparison of consistency between the ESD's informationcalculated values and TLD readout values based on PHILIPS DigitalDiagnost so as to provide reference for realizing information management of medical exposure radiation dose during DR diagnosis and treatment.Methods TLDs were used to obtain the ESD values on chest,abdomen,vertebral body,pelvis and limbs.The exposure parameters were collected from the DICOM files,and the information value of ESD were calculated through the dose area product (DAP) method and the exposure parameter method.The consistency between information value and TLD readout value was compared by intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman method.Results The ESD values obtained from DAP method,exposure parameter method and TLD method are,respectively,(0.730 ± 0.870) mGy,(0.720 ± 0.863) mGy and (0.770 ±0.948) mGy.ICC was 0.988 for ESDDAP-TLD and 0.982 for ESDParameters-TLD,respectively.The Bland-Altman map showed that the D-value of ESD obtained from DAP-TLD and Parameters-TLD beyond the 95％ consistency interval was 6.7％.Conclusions The PHILIPS DR daily diagnosis and treatment process is based on fixed-mode programmed diagnosis and treatment.Under the premise of qualified equipment quality control,the information calculated value based on DICOM files has a good consistency with TLD readout value.

Discussion on ultrasound imaging workstation and network transmission system based on DICOM / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To research an ultrasound imaging workstation based on DICOM so as to construct a patient-centered effective digital hospital.Methods Several interfaces of ultrasound imaging workstation based on DICOM were showed and their advantages and disadvantages were analyzed.Ultrasound imaging workstation based on DICOM was also compared with that based on video capture card.Results DICOM-based ultrasound imaging workstation gained advantages over the one based on video capture card in availability,resolution and management.Conclusion The workstation may contribute to enhancing clinical efficiency,promoting digital hospital and regional medical image sharing,and thus is worthy popularizing practically.

Combining free software to form a clinical case collection and teaching system in the department of radiology / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To build an advanced clinical case collection and teaching system for the department of radiology, and thus to facilitate the scientific research and teaching.Methods By combining several free software, we built a network version of the case collection system with simple web pages, to achieve centralized storage of case text and image data, thus to facilitate the research and teaching work.Results This case collection system quickly saved text data and image data through simple operation, supported parallel work without the need for complex configuration on the client, and had good support for wide area network.This system had stable system operation and could be customized to meet the clinical needs well.Conclusion Using free software to establish the network version of the case collection and teaching system is low cost and has no legal risk.This system is a simple but powerful tool, and can meet the needs of hospitals with different sizes, which is a more perfect case collection system.

Discussions of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) dose assessment based on information in DICOM images / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To establish an accuracy test method for MDCT dose assessment based on information in DICOM images.Methods The type of MDCT studied in this paper was widely used in clinical practice.A software package developed by java language was used to automatically read doserelated information from DICOM files of MDCT.The CTDIvol and DLP of each pectoral or abdominal scan was calculated based on these information and the basic scan parameters such as collimation,mAs and pitch.The calculated values were compared with the displayed values.Results For pectoral scans,the difference between the calculated and displayed values was between-2％-8％ for CTDIvol,and-2％-5％ for DLP.For abdominal scan,the difference between the calculated and displayed values was 0-2％ for CTDIvol,and-2％-3％ for DLP.Conclusions This method is useful for MDCT dose assessment and is worth disseminating its application for general use.

Análise dos softwares gratuitos para tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico de interesse aos cirurgiões-dentistas / Analysis of free software for computed tomograp hy cone beam of interest to dentists

O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar programas de imagens odontológicas disponíveis gratuitamente na internet como ferramentas para prática do cirurgião-dentista e que funcionam em computadores pessoais. Foi realizada uma pesquisa no Medline entre os anos de 2005 a 2014, com enfoque em software utilizado para visualizar imagens tomográficas na Odontologia. Para a pesquisa dos softwares foi realizado busca no site Google e em sites especializados por programas gratuitos disponíveis para windows. Foram utilizados as palavras chaves "free dicom viewer" e "dental software". De acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão três softwares foram analisados. Conhecer a existência de softwares gratuitos e que dão um grande suporte para os profissionais é de extrema importância para a Odontologia atual.

The aim of this study was to review the dental imaging programs available for free on the Internet as tools to practice DDS and running on personal computers. A survey was conducted in Medline from 2005 to 2014, with focus on the software used to view tomographic images in dentistry. A research about the software was done at Google search site and specialized sites for free programs available for Windows. Key words were used "free dicom viewer" and "dental software." According to the criteria of inclusion and exclusion 3 softwares were analyzed. Knowing the existence of free softwares which are able to support professionals improve their jobs is a matter of great importance for the current dentistry.

Sistema robótico guía para la inserción de tornillos en cirugía de fijación de columna / Robotic Guide System for Insertion of Screws in Spinal Fixation Surgery

El presente artículo muestra el diseño y operación de un primer prototipo de robot para la guía en la inserción de tornillos en cirugía de fijación de columna. Este tipo de cirugía, realizada normalmente de forma manual, puede producir muchas lesiones debido a errores humanos al momento de introducir los tornillos en las vértebras del paciente. Para evitar dichos errores se puede utilizar la tomografía computarizada, pero los resultados son mucho mejores si un robot asistente proporciona al cirujano el camino para la inserción del tornillo, según la imagen del tomógrafo. Este artículo muestra como utilizando un robot comercial de bajo costo se puede implementar un sistema que provee una solución funcional a este problema. Se implementó un software que permite definir la posición inicial y final del tornillo a ser introducido, sobre la imagen Dicom del paciente. Con esta información el sistema mueve el robot el cual posee un anillo que guiará al cirujano en la inserción final. Los resultados muestran un sistema bastante preciso ofreciendo al cirujano un camino seguro de inserción.

This article presents the design and operation of the first prototype of a robot, designed to guide the insertion of screws in spinal fixation surgery. This type of surgery, usually done manually, could cause many injuries due to human error at the moment of inserting the screws into the patient’s vertebrae. Computed tomography can be used to avoid such errors, but the results are much better if a robot assists and indicates the surgeon the path for the insertion of the screw, according to the image scanner. This article shows how using a commercial low-cost robot can be implemented in a system that provides a practical solution to this problem. A software that allows you to define the start and the end positions of the screw to be introduced on the Dicom image of the patient, was implemented. With this information the system moves the robot which has a ring that will guide the surgeon in the final insertion. The results show a fairly accurate system, giving the surgeon a safe path of insertion.

An Open-Access Web-based Medical Image Atlas for Collaborative Medical Image Sharing, Processing, Web Semantic Searching and Analysis with Uses in Medical Training, Research and Second Opinion of Cases / Atlas Web de Acceso Abierto de Imágenes Médicas para Compartir, Analizar, Procesar y Buscar en Web Semántica Imágenes Medicas con Aplicaciones en Entrenamiento, Investigación y Segunda Opinión de Casos en Salud

Development of a Web-based atlas for collaborative image sharing, processing and analysis of diagnostic images. Materials and Methods: Use of Web 2.0 Personalized Learning Environment tools for social learning and knowledge construction and sharing. Results: The platform allows registered users to upload, visualize, process and comment medical images in a collaborative manner. The system contains a social network module for open case discussion, a video conference and webinar module for real time case analysis, and an image visualization, annotation and processing module for image analysis. The developed open-access platform serves as a large community-created and validated free-repository of diagnostic medical images to be used for training, research as well as reference and second opinion of cases...

Desarrollo de un atlas Web para el intercambio colaborativo, procesamiento y análisis de imágenes diagnósticas. Materiales y Métodos: Uso de herramientas Web 2.0 para desarrollo de Ambientes de Aprendizaje Personalizado para el aprendizaje social y la construcción e intercambio del conocimiento. Resultados: La plataforma permite subir, visualizar, procesar y comentar las imágenes médicas de forma colaborativa. El sistema posee un módulo de red social, módulo de Webinars para análisis de casos en tiempo real, y módulo de visualización, anotación, análisis y procesamiento de imágenes. El sistema tiene usos como un gran repositorio de imágenes diagnósticas creado y validado por la comunidad médica y utilizado para la formación, la investigación, así como referencia y segunda opinión de casos...

Sistema para el almacenamiento y transmisión de imágenes médicas, versión 3. 0 / System for the storage and transmission of medical images, version 3.0

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de un servidor de almacenamiento y transmisión de imágenes médicas. Es un sistema orientado al área de radiología de una clínica hospitalaria, con el fin de almacenar y transmitir las imágenes generadas por los equipos de adquisición. Se ha elaborado según lo estipulado en el estándar DICOM 3.0 para el almacenamiento y transmisión de las imágenes médicas. Fue desarrollado sobre plataforma .NET con lenguaje de programación C#, utilizando el Framework 4.0, lo cual facilitará la migración hacia una plataforma libre. Posee una interfaz amigable que posibilita que la aplicación sea fácil de configurar. La implantación del sistema proporciona un mejor desempeño del sistema alas PACS y las imágenes médicas adquiridas son almacenadas de forma segura y quedando disponibles a los especialistas para su posterior uso(AU)

This research aims to develop a server for the storage and transmission of medical images. It is a system oriented toward the radiology needs of a real hospital, in order to store and transmit the images generated by the acquisition equipment. It has been prepared as required by the DICOM 3.0 standard for the storage and transmission of medical images. It was developed on .NET platform with C# programming language, using the Framework 4.0. It has a friendly interface that allows the application to be easy to configure. The implementation of the system provides a better performance for the alas PACS system and the medical images acquired are securely stored and are available to specialists for further use(AU)

Implementación de estándares DICOM SR y HL7 CDA para la creación y edición de informes de estudios imagenológicos / Implementation of DICOM SR and HL7 CDA standards for the creation and edition of digital imaging reports

La aparición de nuevas tecnologías de la información, así como estándares y acuerdos, permite la interoperabilidad entre aplicaciones de sistemas de salud en distintas partes del mundo. El presente artículo introduce un estudio que pretende facilitar el uso de estándares y tecnologías disponibles hacia el sector salud, especialmente hacia instituciones hospitalarias. El trabajo parte del uso de los estándares HL7 CDA y DICOM SR para la edición de informes de estudios imagenológicos, debido a que la emisión de estos informes constituye una de las actividades fundamentales de los departamentos de diagnósticos por imágenes. Se describen las principales funcionalidades y características, como base para un sistema informático capaz de adaptarse a los distintos ambientes y escenarios, permitiendo agilizar y estandarizar el proceso que se informatiza. Con la implementación de estos estándares se lograrían sistemas con fuertes características de estandarización, generalidad, flexibilidad, accesibilidad, bajo costo de implementación, bajas necesidades en infraestructura, perdurables en el tiempo e independientes al cambio de la tecnología(AU)

As new information technologies, standards and agreements appear, it has been possible to increase the interoperability among applications in health care systems in the world. This article shows a study that aims to facilitate the use of standards and technologies that are available to the health care field, mainly in hospitals. The work is focused on the usage of HL7 CDA and DICOM SR standards to the edition of reports from imaging studies, because the issuance of these reports is one of the core activities at the departments of imaging diagnostics. The paper describes the main functionalities and features as a basis for a computer system capable of adapt to different environments and scenarios, allowing streamline and standardize the process to be computerized. With the implementation of these standards, highly standardized systems would be achieved, and also features as generality, flexibility, accessibility, low implementation cost, low infrastructure needs, long-lasting and independence of technology change(AU)

Analysis and strategy of information recognition rate improving in PACS centralized printing / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To explore the effective approaches in information recognition rate improving for picture archiving and communication system (PACS) centralized printing system.Methods Possible factors that impact information recognition rate wereanalyzed,and then proposed the relevant optimizing solutions respectively by configuring the modality printing parameters and adjusting the radiology information system accession number (RIS ACCESSION NUMBER) matching rules.Results Effectiveness and accuracy were enhanced significantly through testing at Central Printing System by using these approaches.Conclusion These methods improve effectively the film information recognition rate and provide important technical support for digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) centralized printing system.

Precise mechanical analysis on the femoral three-dimensional finite element model constructed based on DICOM data / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The finite element model has been developed from two-dimensional model to three-dimensional model, from linear model to nonlinear model. As the advantage of this method in the analysis of mechanical characteristics of the irregular objects, the finite element model has been widely used in the research of orthopedic biomechanics, especial y in the research of hip joint. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the stress state of human femur with finite element analysis method and to investigate a method that can rapidly construct femoral finite element model and precisely analyze the biomechanics. METHODS:Normal male femur was used as specimen for CT scan to obtain cross-sectional images of femur in each slice. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed with DICOM data and MIMICS software, then the femoral three-dimensional finite element model was established with the finite element analysis ABQUS 6.8 software, and the stress distribution of the model was analyzed under loading condition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Based on DICOM data, three-dimensional finite element model of femur was constructed more quickly and precisely. The models were divided into 38 636 nodes and 201 422 units. The model included the parts of cortical and cancel ous bone. The biomechanical test results were accorded with the previous results, so the model could objectively reflect the real femur shape and biomechanical behavior with high precision. The Mimics software provided a simpler and effective method for the construction of femur model and improved the efficiency of modeling, and the three-dimensional finite element model based on DICOM data was accurate in shape and can be used for the normal research on biomechanical behavior of femur. The stress distribution analyzed with ABQUS 6.8 software is consistent with the clinical observation.

XDS-I Gateway Development for HIE Connectivity with Legacy PACS at Gil Hospital / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: The ability to support healthcare document sharing is imperative in a health information exchange (HIE). Sharing imaging documents or images, however, can be challenging, especially when they are stored in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) archive that does not support document sharing via standard HIE protocols. This research proposes a standard-compliant imaging gateway that enables connectivity between a legacy PACS and the entire HIE. METHODS: Investigation of the PACS solutions used at Gil Hospital was conducted. An imaging gateway application was then developed using a Java technology stack. Imaging document sharing capability enabled by the gateway was tested by integrating it into Gil Hospital's order communication system and its HIE infrastructure. RESULTS: The gateway can acquire radiology images from a PACS storage system, provide and register the images to Gil Hospital's HIE for document sharing purposes, and make the images retrievable by a cross-enterprise document sharing document viewer. CONCLUSIONS: Development of an imaging gateway that mediates communication between a PACS and an HIE can be considered a viable option when the PACS does not support the standard protocol for cross-enterprise document sharing for imaging. Furthermore, the availability of common HIE standards expedites the development and integration of the imaging gateway with an HIE.

Propuesta de aplicación para el registro de estudios imagenológicos de modalidades no DICOM / A proposal of application for registering non-DICOM imaging studies

Actualmente existen numerosos equipos de adquisición de imágenes y modalidades médicas que no generan ficheros en formato DICOM. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo la propuesta de desarrollo de una aplicación para el registro de estudios imagenológicos que posibilite la visualización, la conversión a formato DICOM, la conformación de un reporte diagnóstico y el envío de las imágenes generadas por todas las modalidades médicas no DICOM. Se propone el desarrollo de la misma sobre la plataforma .NET con lenguaje de programación C#. La aplicación propuesta posibilita el crecimiento de la historia clínica imagenológica del paciente con la inclusión digital de todas las modalidades y agilizará en gran medida el proceso de atención en las instituciones de salud donde se realice diagnóstico por imágenes. Se presupone un ahorro importante al país al evitar la reposición y la compra de nuevos equipos y de materiales gastables(AU)

At the present time, there are several imaging equipment and medical procedures that don't generate files in DICOM format. This research aims to develop an application for registration of imaging that enables viewing, conversion to DICOM format, the creation of a diagnostic report and sending the images generated by all non-DICOM medical modalities. The application will be developed in the .NET platform with C # programming language. The application would allow the growing of the medical imaging history of the patient with the digital inclusion of all modalities. This application also greatly speeds up the process of care in health institutions where imaging diagnostic is performed. This work avoids the replacement and purchase of new equipment and consumable materials to the country(AU)

Integrando ferramentas de auxílio ao diagnóstico no sistema de arquivamento e comunicação de imagens / Integrating computer-aided diagnosis tools into the picture archiving and communication system

OBJETIVO: Este artigo apresenta um modelo de integração de algoritmos de diagnóstico auxiliado por computador dentro do fluxo de trabalho dos sistemas de gerenciamento de imagens, desenvolvido com base em um conjunto de ferramentas computacionais de código aberto e uso livre chamado dcm4che2. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: O modelo de integração é composto por um servidor de processamento de imagens e por serviços de comunicação. O gerenciamento de dados segue o fluxo de trabalho definido pelo perfil de pós-processamento (PWF) do Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) e utiliza a funcionalidade de captura secundária do DICOM. Uma aplicação para lesões difusas de pulmão foi utilizada para prova de conceito. RESULTADOS: O algoritmo de classificação de padrões apresentou acurácia de 78 por cento, com base em um método de teste de validação cruzada. A integração possibilita a visualização das imagens processadas como uma nova série dentro do estudo original. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo de integração proposto baseiase em perfis do IHE e permite o estabelecimento de procedimentos padronizados. Os princípios utilizados para integração do fluxo de trabalho são aplicáveis para qualquer tarefa não interativa de pós-processamento de imagens.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a model for integration of computer-aided diagnosis algorithms into the picture archiving and communication systems workflow that has been developed on the basis of the dcm4che2 open source toolkit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed integration model consists of an image processing server and communication services. The data management follows the workflow defined by the post-processing workflow profile (PWF) developed by Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) and utilizes the DICOM secondary capture functionality. An application for diffuse lung disease has been utilized as proof of concept. RESULTS: Based on a cross validation method, the standard classification algorithm presented 78 percent accuracy. The integration enables the visualization of processed images as a new series in the original study. CONCLUSION: The proposed integration model is based on IHE profiles and allows the establishment of standardized procedures. The principles used to integrate the workflow are applicable to any non-interactive post-processing task.

Visualizadores de imagens médicas gratuitos: é possível trabalhar apenas com eles? / Freeware medical image viewers: can we rely only on them?

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar visualizadores de imagens médicas gratuitos disponíveis na internet capazes de funcionar como cliente PACS (picture archiving and communication system) e avaliar suas principais funções e a viabilidade do uso em computadores pessoais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi feita pesquisa, no Google e em sites especializados, por programas gratuitos disponíveis para o Windows. Foram encontrados cerca de 70, sendo 11 capazes de funcionar como cliente PACS, e selecionados seis destes para análise: ClearCanvas Workstation, KPACS, Onis, Synedra View Personal, Mito e Tudor DicomViewer. Com base nas necessidades dos autores, 16 funções foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: Dos seis programas avaliados, dois possuem 10 das 16 funções avaliadas e um possui apenas duas. Três realizam MPR (reconstrução multiplanar), um realiza MIP (reconstrução por projeção de intensidade máxima), dois realizam VR (renderizações volumétricas), dois funcionam como servidor PACS, dois geram CDs, um realiza fusão de imagens, três permitem utilizar múltiplos monitores e apenas um não é compatível com Windows 7. CONCLUSÃO: Diversos programas gratuitos estão disponíveis e não existe nenhum completo. Cabe ao usuário analisar e selecionar o programa que melhor se enquadra nas suas necessidades, porém, os programas Onis, Synedra e ClearCanvas se destacam, cada um com suas peculiaridades. É totalmente viável o uso de programas gratuitos para o dia-a-dia do radiologista.

OBJECTIVE: To search in the internet for freeware medical image viewers capable of running as a PACS (picture archiving and communication system) client, and to evaluate their main functions as well as the feasibility of their use in personal computers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Google search engine and specialized sites were utilized in the search for freeware softwares for Windows. The authors have found about 70 and among them 11 were able to run as PACS clients. Six were selected for analysis: ClearCanvas Workstation, KPACS, Onis, Synedra View Personal, Mito and Tudor DicomViewer. Sixteen functions selected according to the authors' needs were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the six applications, two presented 10 of the 16 functions, and one of them presented only two. Three perform MPR (multiplanar reconstruction), one performs MIP (maximum intensity projection), two perform VR (volume rendering), two can run as a PACS server, two can create CDs, one performs images fusion, three allow the use of multiple monitors and only one is not compatible with Windows 7. CONCLUSION: Although several freeware applications are available, no one of them is complete. It is up to the users to analyze and select the software that best suits their needs. However, Onis, Synedra and ClearCanvas stand out because of their own peculiarities. The use of freeware image viewers is entirely feasible in the radiologists' daily routine.