RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Operating room personnel (ORP) operating mobile image intensifier systems (C-arms) need training to produce high quality radiographs with a minimum of time and X-ray exposure. Our study aims at evaluating acceptance, usability and learning effect of the CBT system virtX that simulates C-arm based X-ray imaging in the context of surgical case scenarios. METHODS: Prospective, interventional study conducted during an ORP course with three groups: intervention group 1 (training on a PC using virtX), and 2 (virtX with a C-arm as input device), and a control group (training without virtX) - IV1, IV2 and CG. All participants finished training with the same exercise. Time needed to produce an image of sufficient quality was recorded and analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA and Dunnett post hoc test (alpha = .05). Acceptance and usability of virtX have been evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: CG members (n = 21) needed more time for the exercise than those of IV2 (n = 20): 133 +/- 55 vs. 101 +/- 37 sec. (p = .03). IV1 (n = 12) also performed better than CG (128 +/- 48 sec.), but this was not statistically significant. Seventy-nine participants returned a questionnaire (81% female, age 34 +/- 9 years, professional experience 8.3 +/- 7.6 years; 77% regularly used a C-arm). 83% considered virtX a useful addition to conventional C-arm training. 91% assessed virtual radiography as helpful for understanding C-arm operation. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees experienced virtX as substantial enhancement of C-arm training. Training with virtX can reduce the time needed to perform an imaging task.
Assuntos
Salas Cirúrgicas , Ortopedia , Planejamento da Radioterapia Assistida por Computador/instrumentação , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/instrumentação , Interface Usuário-Computador , Ferimentos e Lesões/cirurgia , Adulto , Simulação por Computador , Currículo , Coleta de Dados , Desenho de Equipamento , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Simulação de Paciente , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Estudos Prospectivos , Planejamento da Radioterapia Assistida por Computador/métodos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Tempo , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodosRESUMO
Volumetric imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) provides increased diagnostic detail but is associated with the problem of navigation through large amounts of data. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a novel 3D navigation tool has been designed and developed that is based on an alternative input device. A 3D mouse allows for simultaneous definition of position and orientation of orthogonal or oblique multiplanar reformatted images or slabs, which are presented within a virtual 3D scene together with the volume-rendered data set and additionally as 2D images. Slabs are visualized with maximum intensity projection, average intensity projection, or standard volume rendering technique. A prototype has been implemented based on PC technology that has been tested by several radiologists. It has shown to be easily understandable and usable after a very short learning phase. Our solution may help to fully exploit the diagnostic potential of volumetric imaging by allowing for a more efficient reading process compared to currently deployed solutions based on conventional mouse and keyboard.
Assuntos
Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador/métodos , Imageamento Tridimensional/métodos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Interface Usuário-Computador , Gráficos por Computador , Humanos , Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador/instrumentação , Imageamento Tridimensional/instrumentação , Radiologia/métodos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Software , Local de TrabalhoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Trauma surgeons possess specific anticipative pathoanatomical and procedural domain knowledge that can be used for information extraction from original CT image data. This knowledge so far remains unused in clinical workflow and surgeons do not take an active part in the process of image generation and processing. The objectives of our work are to propose and employ a strategy to directly involve surgeons in a dynamic image exploration process and to exemplarily assess the clinical use of this approach for pre-operative diagnosis of complex articular fractures. METHODS: We used an interactive 3D navigation tool with a novel human-computer interface for the exploration of articular fractures of two selected anatomical structures. The system offers dynamic interaction with a virtual 3D reconstruction model and the possibility to create on-the-fly oblique multiplanar reformations by tracking hand movements. Three expert surgeons performed exemplary explorations and rated the use of the method for preoperative diagnosis in informal interviews. RESULTS: The approach and the system were well received by the three surgeons. The dynamic interaction was rated to be helpful in understanding fracture morphology. Two examples--a radius and a calcaneal fracture--are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons with their specific domain knowledge should be involved in the process of image processing. The benefit of using oblique multiplanar reformations for pre-operative planning in articular fractures appears to be substantial and they should therefore be included in radiological and surgical textbooks. Further evaluation is necessary to assess the use of interactive exploration systems in routine diagnosis.
Assuntos
Fraturas Ósseas/diagnóstico , Fraturas Ósseas/cirurgia , Imageamento Tridimensional , Cuidados Pré-Operatórios , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Interface Usuário-Computador , Estudos de Viabilidade , Humanos , Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador , Cirurgia Assistida por ComputadorRESUMO
Engymetry offers a new means of continuously measuring nuclear radiation fields without any need of restricting the patient's mobility. In this study, kidney function was measured simultaneously and continuously for 6.6 h with engymetry, after application of a 12 h therapy dose of Cyclosporine A (CsA) of 4.0 +/- 1.8 mg per kg bodyweight (bw). 15 kidney transplanted patients participated in this study. 370 MBq 99Tcm-DTPA and 10 MBq 131I-OIH were injected during routine transplant scintigraphy. Renal function was monitored from the external disappearance curves of the tracers recorded by portable double radionuclide detectors. Renal impairment could be seen in the rising phase of CsA or coincided with the CsA maximum in 13 of the 15 patients. Under the impairment the half-life of 99Tcm-DTPA increased from 4.1 +/- 1.2 to 15.9 +/- 12.3 h (p less than 0.005) for 61 +/- 45 min and the half-life of 131I-OIH increased from 3.2 +/- 0.7 to 12.7 +/- 8.4 h (p less than 0.001) for 71 +/- 37 min. With noninvasive engymetry it is possible to detect renal functional impairment during long observation periods. Acute restriction in glomerular filtration and renal blood flow was discovered in human kidney graft recipients after the application of a low therapeutic CsA dose.
Assuntos
Injúria Renal Aguda/diagnóstico por imagem , Ciclosporinas/efeitos adversos , Radioisótopos do Iodo , Transplante de Rim , Medicina Nuclear/instrumentação , Compostos Organometálicos , Ácido Pentético , Injúria Renal Aguda/induzido quimicamente , Injúria Renal Aguda/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Idoso , Ciclosporinas/administração & dosagem , Ciclosporinas/farmacologia , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Feminino , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular/efeitos dos fármacos , Meia-Vida , Humanos , Infusões Intravenosas , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Monitorização Fisiológica , Cintilografia , Circulação Renal/efeitos dos fármacos , Pentetato de Tecnécio Tc 99mRESUMO
In the German emergency medical service system (EMSS) medical treatment can be improved in most of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Currently, the incident commander who is responsible for classification of the victims (depending on their urgency and condition, the so called triage) and ordered transportation uses paper-based documentation. Triage tags are used to identify and classify patients and gather treatment information. This can cause problems in medical treatment and in transportation of injured victims. Object-oriented modelling, simulation, and visualisation of processes can show deficits in treatment and data processing and thereby help to optimise medical workflow and logistics. If documentation by paramedics and emergency physicians is done electronically, all patient records could be send to a telemedical centre for central data administration. A telemedical supported triage tag helps identifying victims and managing detailed identification protocols. The paper-based documentation in emergency would become obsolete, if hospitals can query all protocols, diagnoses, and findings from the telemedical centre. Safety and security aspects can be guaranteed. The complete medical treatment workflow can be supported by telemedicine. Therefore, in case of MCI, telemedicine can optimise medical treatment and exonerate the paramedics from unnecessary documentation.
Assuntos
Planejamento em Desastres/organização & administração , Serviços Médicos de Emergência/organização & administração , Telemedicina/organização & administração , Pessoal Técnico de Saúde/organização & administração , Alemanha , Humanos , Sistemas Computadorizados de Registros Médicos/organização & administração , Modelos Organizacionais , Triagem/organização & administraçãoRESUMO
The assessment of the results of a "knowledge-based system" (KBS) for quality control is a basic requirement for clinical application: Large numbers of test studies are necessary in order to cover as widely as possible the spectrum of cases to be analyzed by the KBS. The use of original patient data as test data is one possibility, but real data are provided unevenly. This is due to the set of characteristics which are relevant to the analysis. Data are available in a limited quantity only. This implies a remaining set of unvalidated cases which are not represented in the data pool. The software phantom is an approach towards systematically guided validation. It permits the generation of test data adjusted to the demands of the validation.
Assuntos
Inteligência Artificial , Modelos Estruturais , Medicina Nuclear/normas , Software , Controle de QualidadeRESUMO
In the fields of health care and medicine there is an immense demand for a systematic application of methods of information processing and for the use of computers. Obviously, to that end well-trained scientists and qualified personnel must be available. With the present recommendations on education and training in medical informatics the German Association for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS) proposes structure and contents of medical informatics curricula and courses. The recommendations describe a 2-dimensional educational framework with different education levels in one dimension and various types of educational needs and orientation in the other one. The recommendations comprise at the university level education as well specialized curricula covering the total spectrum of medical informatics as well as informatics curricula with medical informatics as integrated applied subject or subsidiary subject, respectively. Besides these informatics-oriented approaches medical-oriented programs of education in medical informatics are recommended, e.g., post-graduate education in medical informatics for physicians based on foundations in medical informatics as part of their initial training in medicine. At the level of polytechnical schools curricula of medical documentation and informatics and at the level of professional schools training in medical documentation are recommended. This report is a translation of its German original. Although considered by the GMDS as recommendations for the Federal Republic of Germany, the text may also contribute to the development of an international, especially European framework of training in medical informatics.
Assuntos
Informática Médica/educação , AlemanhaRESUMO
The project VISION2003 consists of several partners with different professions ranging from medicine to medical informatics, from computer science to didactics. Its aim is the development, testing, introduction and a long-time maintenance of an open, web-based, intelligent and adaptive teaching and learning system for medical education. The system is expected to enhance the acceptance and efficiency of conventional ways of learning by supplementing and supporting them and creating new methods for imparting knowledge ["VISION2003, Lehr-und Lernsysteme in der Medizin: Intelligente und Multimediale, Internetbasierte adaptive und intelligente Autorensysteme für kooperatives Training in der Medizin", (last valid on 17 January 2003) and Ein offenes sprachkonzept für verteilte wissensverarbeitung in der medizin, Tagungsabstract XVI International Congress of the European Federation for Medical Informatics MIE, September 2000]. This is done exemplarily in the specific fields of oncology, accident-surgery and cardiology in consideration of actual standards and didactical measures. The range of possible applications is wide, from electronically accessible scripts through example cases to complex simulations. The main focus of the project is the creation of an open and flexible internet platform for delivering multimedia-based learning units and the development of adaptive and intelligent authoring systems.
Assuntos
Instrução por Computador , Educação Médica/métodos , Interface Usuário-Computador , Currículo , Alemanha , Humanos , Internet , MultimídiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION: INCA (Intelligent Control Assistant for Diabetes) is a project funded by the EU with the objective to improve diabetes therapy by creating a personal control loop interacting with telemedical remote control. Development of telemedical systems generally is a complex task especially in international projects where engineering and user groups with different social and cultural background have to be included into the system development process. OBJECTIVES: To explore if and how sophisticated information system modelling and simulation techniques can improve the development of telemedical systems. METHODS: For system analysis and design the MOSAIK-M approach was chosen. MOSAIK-M means "Modelling, simulation, and animation of information and communication systems in medicine". It includes a generic process scheme, a meta model and a tool environment. The generic process scheme guides modelling projects to produce models of high quality in terms of correctness, completeness and validity. The meta model defines the modelling language.In INCA MOSAIK-M is used for analysis of the problem domain, specification of the telemedical system and cost/benefit-analysis. RESULTS: The MOSAIK-M approach was used to create two models: an "As Is"-model of the problem domain and a "To Be"-model of the INCA system. The "As Is"-model of conventional insulin pump based diabetes care comprises submodels of diabetes management, ambulatory and clinical care. The "To Be"-model describes a patient's diabetes management using a smart phone that controls an insulin pump based on continuously measured interstitial glucose. It also describes telemedical care of a patient by diabetologists and a call centre. Both models can be simulated enhanced by visualisation capabilities to explore specific cases or scenarios. This feature proved valuable for the evaluation of both models through domain experts. The "To Be" model is used to guide the implementation of the system. Both models are being augmented by cost structures to support cost/benefit-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Even a complex telemedical system like the INCA system can be successfully specified using sophisticated modelling and simulation based approaches like MOSAIK-M. The resulting specification is a result of its own and ensures a lasting effect of the definitions and specifications produced during the project. International cooperation and evaluation of the system design prior to its implementation profit from simulation and visualisation capabilities of MOSAIK-M.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus , Sistemas de Infusão de Insulina , Simulação por Computador , Análise Custo-Benefício , Diabetes Mellitus/terapia , Humanos , Sistemas de Informação , Modelos Teóricos , TelemedicinaRESUMO
A general view of nuclear medicine's present status and future trends in Europe is given. Nclear medicine procedures, radiopharmaceuticals, annual examinations, equipment, quality assurance, management, and number of installations of gamma cameras, and computer systems in Europe are considered. Market trends are given. The role of nuclear medicine computer systems, hardware and software, is discussed. The situation of nuclear medicine in Europe, especially in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) with regard to economic and medical factors, is investigated.
Assuntos
Medicina Nuclear/tendências , Computadores , Congressos como Assunto , Europa (Continente) , Alemanha Ocidental , Medicina Nuclear/educação , Medicina Nuclear/instrumentação , Publicações Periódicas como Assunto , Controle de Qualidade , Sociedades MédicasRESUMO
Since the 1984 Congress of the Society of Nuclear Medicine-Europe in Helsinki, the "Task Group for European Nuclear Medicine Software Cooperation", which became the "Joint ENMS/SNME Nuclear Medicine Software Task Group" in London in 1985, has focused attention on establishing a new COST project (European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research) (COST 1981) in the field of nuclear medicine Software. On 20 March 1986, the mandate was finally approved officially by the COST Committee of Senior Officials in Brussels (see Editorial in this issue). The problems, content, and objectives of specific items and ideas regarding NM software that have been publicized at the European level are dealt with here. The reader actively interested in NM software is encouraged to participate in the COST framework and forum, in order to avoid duplication of effort and to utilize resources more efficiently by coordinating activities in nuclear medicine in Europe.
Assuntos
Computadores , Cooperação Internacional , Medicina Nuclear , Software , Inteligência Artificial , Europa (Continente)RESUMO
A main goal of surgical simulators is the creation of virtual training environments for prospective surgeons. Thus, students can rehearse the various steps of surgical procedures on a computer system without any risk to the patient. One main condition for realistic training is the simulated interaction with virtual medical devices, such as endoscopic instruments. In particular, the virtual deformation and transection of tissues are important. For this application, a neuro-fuzzy model has been developed, which allows the description of the visual and haptic deformation behavior of the simulated tissue by means of expert knowledge in the form of medical terms. Pathologic conditions affecting the visual and haptic tissue response can be easily changed by a medical specialist without mathematical knowledge. By using the personal computer-based program Elastodynamic Shape Modeler, these conditions can be adjusted via a graphical user interface. With a force feedback device, which is similar to a real laparoscopic instrument, virtual deformations can be performed and the resulting haptic feedback can be felt. Thus, use of neuro-fuzzy technologies for the definition and calculation of virtual deformations seems applicable to the simulation of surgical interventions in virtual environments.
Assuntos
Simulação por Computador , Cirurgia Geral/educação , Laparoscopia , Software , Interface Usuário-Computador , Gráficos por Computador , Elasticidade , HumanosRESUMO
A model of an information system for ophthalmologic practices has been constructed using an object-oriented development environment. This model allows us to dynamically visualize the proceedings in a medical environment by graphical means. The model includes an object-oriented basis data model for ophthalmologic applications and tools for the medical staff e.g., a patient record browser. Special (sub)systems can be integrated into the basis model. Some aspects of the development process will be discussed.
Assuntos
Simulação por Computador , Sistemas de Informação , Modelos Teóricos , Oftalmologia , Gráficos por Computador , Sistemas Computadorizados de Registros MédicosRESUMO
After a brief introduction about virtual reality and model-building this paper describes the special technical and theoretical requirements of dynamic surgical simulation in contrast to traditional static systems. This is done by means of the simulator SUSILAP-G. With SUSILAP-G an example of an application in telemedicine is given.
Assuntos
Ginecologia/educação , Laparoscopia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Minimamente Invasivos , Interface Usuário-Computador , Sistemas Computacionais , Feminino , Humanos , Processamento de Imagem Assistida por Computador/instrumentação , Telemedicina/instrumentaçãoRESUMO
The pharmacokinetics of Tl+ were studied in 9 patients who underwent myocardial scintigraphy with 201Tl+. The time course of the 201Tl+ concentration fitted to an open two-compartment model. The following values were calculated: k12 = 0.164 +/- 0.025 min-1, k21 = 0.011 +/- 0.004 min-1, k10 = 0.005 +/- 0.004 min-1, t1/2(lambda 1) = 3.92 +/- 0.54 min, t 1/2(lambda 2) = 3108 +/- 896 min, CL = 0.08 +/- 0.03 l/min, V1 = 0.26 +/- 0.13 l/kg, Vz = 4.36 +/- 0.65 l/kg, Vss = 4.23 +/- 0.67 l/kg. Using previously published dialysance values the influence of hemodialysis on Tl+ elimination was calculated. Hemodialysis in Tl+ intoxications should be moderately effective.
Assuntos
Tálio/metabolismo , Meia-Vida , Humanos , Cinética , Diálise RenalRESUMO
An interactive report generator for bone scintigraphy will be demonstrated. It comprises a controlled reporting vocabulary, an adaptive user interface, and a text generator. The controlled vocabulary represents the relevant concepts for bone scan reports: anatomical sites, scintigraphical phenomena, and diagnoses, and various attributes for these concept domains. Within the vocabulary selectional constraints are defined that restricts to meaningful combination of concepts. The interface provides intelligent views on the vocabulary, and presents only those terms that are relevant in a certain context. Through the interface the user may choose appropriate terms and combine them to complex findings. A German text generator for a restricted finding language transforms the entered data into morpho-syntactic surface structures and produces acceptable reports.
Assuntos
Osso e Ossos/diagnóstico por imagem , Sistemas Computadorizados de Registros Médicos , Interface Usuário-Computador , Bases de Dados Factuais , Humanos , Cintilografia , Terminologia como Assunto , RedaçãoRESUMO
Clinical course, indications for surgical treatment, and results of treatment in 8 female patients with iodine induced thyrotoxicosis (IIT) are reported. The diagnosis of IIT could be established in all patients by a) clinical hyperthyroidism, b) increased T3 and T4 serum concentrations, and c) previous iodine contamination. Sources of iodine were radiographic contrast agents for urography (n = 4), oral cholecystography (n = 3), intravenous cholangiography (n = 1), phlebography (n = 1), and cranial computer tomography (n = 1). The onset of hyperthyroidism occurred 1-8 weeks after iodine exposure. Indications for surgical treatment of IIT were: 1. autonomous nodular goiter (n = 6), and 2. iodine exacerbation of preexisting thyrotoxicosis in patients with Graves' disease (n = 2). Corresponding to the different pathogenesis of autonomous and immunogenetic goiter the following surgical treatment is recommended: Enucleation of solitary autonomous adenomas or unilateral lobectomy in case of large adenomas, subtotal bilateral lobectomy in toxic multinodular goiter or, preferentially, unilateral lobectomy combined with subtotal resection of the contralateral thyroid lobe; "Near-total" thyroidectomy in Graves' immunopathy.
Assuntos
Meios de Contraste/efeitos adversos , Hipertireoidismo/induzido quimicamente , Iodo/efeitos adversos , Tireoidectomia , Adulto , Feminino , Bócio Nodular/induzido quimicamente , Bócio Nodular/cirurgia , Humanos , Hipertireoidismo/cirurgia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tiroxina/sangue , Tri-Iodotironina/sangueRESUMO
A patient-specific three-dimensional rotational ellipsoidal shell was reconstructed from planar myocardial scintigrams. This model was homogeneously filled with radioactivity ('ideal') and then projected onto the same planes as the actual scintigrams, including the absorption of heart and background. After normalization and inhomogeneous background correction, the actual and 'ideal' images were compared in order to quantify the myocardial, ischemic and infarcted volumes (difference quantitation). 201Tl defects appeared as hot spots. The a priori three-dimensional model was cut into 14 segments by six planes. Tomographic sectional views in any desired plane made possible the identification of the 14 spatial myocardial segments on slice images for difference quantitation. The orientation of the long axis of the left heart responsible for different inseparable overprojections of segments was accounted for. The mathematics of segmentation and reconstructive three-dimensional modelling is described. Computed examples are given. A total of 624 201Tl scintigrams from 78 patients were analysed according to this method. The results obtained for the myocardial, ischemic and infarcted volumes, the orientation of the left heart's axis in the thorax and the identification of spatial myocardial segments on projected and tomographic images, as well as the global myocardial and background kinetics of 201Tl are discussed. The procedure of reference modelling and difference quantitation might also be useful in other imaging modalities, such as emission-computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, computed tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance.