Use of Robotic Telepathology for Frozen-Section Diagnosis: A Retrospective Trial of a Telepathology System for Intraoperative Consultation

Abstract

Telepathology is the practice of digitizing histological or macroscopic images for transmission along telecommunication pathways for diagnosis, consultation, or continuing medical education. Previous studies have addressed static versus dynamic imaging in several specimen types with a wide variety of systems and communication pathways. The goal of this paper was to assess the validity of a Web-based telepathology system for frozen section consultation within the Army Medical Department. The system provides real-time, dynamic remote control of a robotic microscope over standard Internet connections. Oftentimes, a solo pathologist is called on to provide diagnostic services without the support of immediate second or expert consultation during an intraoperative consultation. The use of telepathology is attractive because it provides an opportunity for pathologists to obtain immediate consultation. For purposes of the study, 120 consecutive frozen section cases were diagnosed at a distance using the system. Intraobserver agreement between the telepathology diagnosis and glass slide diagnosis was observed. Diagnostic agreement was 100% for a wide variety of specimens. This study suggests that such a system will help support pathologists located at distant sites.

Whole Slide Imaging for Analytical Anatomic Pathology and Telepathology: Practical Applications Today, Promises, and Perils

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A novel automated screening and interpretation process for cervical cytology using the internet transmission of low-resolution images

“…This image-capture capability also makes possible the rapid transmission of such images over the Internet for interpretation at remote sites. Although digital transmission and interpretation of cytology images has been investigated by others, [5][6][7] the combination of automated screening and Internet-based telecytology remote interpretation has not been explored. Because it bypasses on-site manual review and the large-scale transportation of perishable glass slides, such a system could lead to substantial centralization and optimization of cytology screening resources.…”

Quicktime virtual reality technology in light microscopy to support medical education in pathology

“…In the last few years, dynamic telepathology has been the only real digital application that has been able to transmit wide areas of microscopic preparations to a remote station. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Dynamic telepathology is a real-time technology system, but its usefulness in training is limited. The image is live and only a few systems are able to store and create a database of the transmitted cases [18][19][20] (Bliss by BacusLabs.…”