Remote telemonitoring that enables collaboration, teaching, monitoring and presentation of video and digital data is becoming more seamless and intuitive. In addition, by using the hospital or clinic IP network means no extra cabling, wiring or a large hardware footprint which will drastically reduce costs.
Any digital source can be integrated:
Remote telemonitoring integrates surgical microscopes, endoscopes, robotic surgery, fluoroscopy, CT scanners, MRI scanners, room cameras, PACS, EMR sources, monitors and PC’s. Viewing can be in 4K UHD or even 3D (see what the surgeon sees). All of this can be controlled by a simple controller panel.
   
Procedure collaboration:
Often another surgeon who may have vast experience in a procedure can be present virtually providing real time guidance. If 3D cameras are integrated into the surgical equipment and the remote surgeon has a 3D monitor this will exponentially enhance the view. Additional images can be displayed on the remote monitor in split screen format providing valuable real time information for the remote collaborator. An additional tool, telestration can be invaluable because the remote collaborator can draw in real time pin point anatomical structures. This will be viewed in real time by the operating surgeon (on some microscopes, this can be projected right into the surgeon’s optics).
Monitoring:
Monitoring activity in a operating room, procedure room or ICU room can be most beneficial:
- OR suites and/or corridors so staff can find colleagues/procedures without going room to room.
- Monitor the progress of a procedure to alert staff as to the room requirements.
- Supervising surgeons can monitor several procedures at once.
- OR managers can ready a room for turnover.
- Monitor patient progress in the ICU
- Integrate essential patient monitoring data
- Two way communication with the ICU room
Teaching and Presenting:
Surgical education is at a critical juncture today, threatened by diminished funding, competing service obligations, mounting paper work, and the need to do more in less time with less support. Here is where a digital imaging platform that integrates remote telemonitoring comes in handy:
- Live surgical procedures can be broadcast remotely in such pureviews as webinars.
- In-person training can facilitated with live surgical procedures or recorded surgical videos.
- Conference lectures can tap into live procedures or remotely download a recorded procedure video.
