An experimental and clinically useful PACS

Abstract

In our department, which supports a 700 bed university hospital, we have designed and implemented, in collaboration with industry, an experimental PACS in a clinical environment. It solves some of the main problems in a large digital radiology department and permits us to identify hardware, software and human interface problems.The department consists of 2 computer tomography (CT) scanners, 2 digital subtraction angiography (DSA) units, one magnetic resonance (MR) system and ultrasound (US) and conventional radiology equipment. The MR-system is located in a new building near the main hospital building.We have chosen the so-called bottom-up PACS approach, starting from the existing facilities and already digital modalities, trying to make a useful PACS.The project started 2 years ago, with the study and evaluation of different viewing and manipulation stations. Last year we integrated an advanced image processing station, for fast image reconstruction in the MR system. This integration was done in such a manner, that once we connect the MR system to the network, the image processing station will be transparent for use by all the other modalities on the network.At the end of 1987 we transferred our first images through the network between 2 C T units, MR system, central archive and a PACS demonstration model (PDM) console, containing 2 high resolution monitors, for image display and reporting. On each modality the radiologist can select, by means of a specialized terminal in background, different transfer functions: archive, report, special study, temporary storage.At the moment we are working on the integration of a hardcopy unit and optical archive. Our main goal is to have a clinically useful and acceptable PACS stage environment.The work and experience on two local digital imaging devices coupled by an image network are presented in special consideration of clinical needs.Inform Health Soc Care Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by McMaster University on 11/28/14For personal use only.