DICOM image transmission for real-time telemanagement of full-field digital mammography (FFDM)

摘要

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility to remotely manage mammography examinations in real time, which is defined as mammography telemanagement. In such a scenario, the remotely located expert mammographer needs to view newly generated images and communicate with on-site technologist before a patient leaves the exam room. Therefore, almost real-time transmission of large volume digital mammograms between these two parties must be available. A digital telemammography test-bed has been setup between two clinical facilities in University of California, San Francisco. Both the hardware and software components of the system are discussed. Digital mammogram transmission between two campuses, however, is not yet optimal. Several methods are presented to improve the image availability. By implementing these schemes, the total time for transferring one digital mammogram from the FFDM to the remote expert workstation is reduced form 42 sec to 6 sec. It is concluded that, with improved system design and extended software capabilities, it is feasible to explore real-time telemanagement protocol in telemammography. !9