Remote and Telerobotic Ultrasound Imaging

Abstract

Echocardiography and ultrasonography are mainstay imaging modalities for the diagnosis, management, and surveillance of widespread acute and chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease. As such, they contribute to improved outcomes. Skilled sonographers are currently required to perform complete diagnostic exams; however, a critical shortage of sonographers in isolated, rural, remote, and global locations contributes to known healthcare disparities. Telerobotic ultrasound systems, which assist sonographers in using a robotic arm to examine patients remotely, offers a potentially profound impact. While this approach represents the intersection of telehealth, robotics, and imaging, important logistics must be addressed to achieve widespread adoption. These include integration of systems and workflow, the need for robust networks, cybersecurity, haptic feedback, cost/billing, and regulatory aspects. The utility, development, technical requirements, and future applications for these technologies are described here.