WSEAS Transactions on Biology and Biomedicine
Print ISSN: 1109-9518, E-ISSN: 2224-2902
Volume 9, 2012
Multimedia Surgical Sessions in a Web Environment
Authors: , , , ,
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop the Remote Surgery System that allows integrated multimedia sessions in either synchronous or asynchronous training, editing, evaluation and second opinion backed up by the patient’s medical charts in a web environment. Method: The application was developed by a multidisciplinary team with members from the fields of health, IT, design and communications. This study can be classified as constructive research to test feasibility. The agile software development process was guided by the Extreme Programming method, using Unified Modelling Language. The features of the Remote Surgery System were generated based on surveys and interviews with users and direct observation of processes. Technical assessments of the Remote Surgery System were carried out on the Integrated Digital Backbone of the University of Carabobo between the Urology Teaching Institute facilities where the operating room and University Campus are located. Result: The performance of the application was assessed and found to be good under suitable interconnection of the network conditions. The images presented in good quality settings were adequate, with good definition of the contours and colors even when this meant a high demand on link bandwidth. Conclusion: This development provides new opportunities for interaction in telemedicine, particularly in the areas of training and obtaining a second surgical opinion in a Web environment. The system is technically feasible with high potential for medical staff training which will result in better patient care requiring surgery.