Abstract
Abstract Background As point-of-care ultrasound spreads across the globe, there is an increased need for training and supervision of ultrasound studies. Real-time oversight is important, especially in critically ill patients, but often an expert ultrasound over-read is not available on location. Technological advances have improved data transmission so that images and videos can be sent great distances very rapidly. In this study, we examine the feasibility of real-time wireless transmission of ultrasound video to an iPhone. Methods An ultrasound machine was connected via a video converter to a laptop. iCam (SKJM, LLC) software was used to transmit the video across the Atlantic Ocean to an iPhone. Images typical for those performed in an emergency department were sent, in random order by a ‘scanning physician.’ An ‘interpreting physician’ overseas was asked to identify the anatomy, presence or absence of pathology, and comment on the quality, speed, and delay of transmission. Results Rapid image transmission was feasible and the ‘interpreting physician’ was always able to correctly identify the anatomy and orientation. The average delay was minimal (2.7 s), allowing for real-time feedback. The frame rate was markedly slower in the received images as compared to the transmitted images, and was faster when the iPhone was connected via WiFi (1.1 fps) versus a 3G connection (0.4 fps). Conclusion Transmission of real-time ultrasound video to a remote iPhone using inexpensive technology is feasible, with the preservation of image quality and minimal delay. Transmission speed was superior with a WiFi connection than with a 3G connection.
Highlights
Background As point-of-care ultrasound spreads across the globe, there is an increased need for training and supervision of ultrasound studies
We examine the feasibility of real-time wireless transmission of ultrasound video to an iPhone
An ultrasound machine was connected via a video converter to a laptop. iCam (SKJM, LLC) software was used to transmit the video across the Atlantic Ocean to an iPhone
Summary
As point-of-care ultrasound spreads across the globe, there is an increased need for training and supervision of ultrasound studies. Technological advances have improved data transmission so that images and videos can be sent great distances very rapidly. We examine the feasibility of real-time wireless transmission of ultrasound video to an iPhone. Point-of-care ultrasound is frequently used outside of the emergency department in novel ways and for novel applications. Technological advances in wireless communication and data transmission have rapidly progressed in recent years. Products, such as the iPhone (Apple, Inc.) have revolutionized the abilities of handheld phones and have made high-speed wireless transmission and reception of data via a 3G network accurate and immediate. Products, such as the iPhone (Apple, Inc.) have revolutionized the abilities of handheld phones and have made high-speed wireless transmission and reception of data via a 3G network accurate and immediate. iPhone functionality is greatly enhanced with the installation of various applications. iCam (SKJM, LLC) is an application
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