[Internet use for telemedecine: fetal medicine applications].
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the transmission of still and moving images via the Internet for teleconsultations in fetal medicine.


METHODS
and methods: Implementation fo two PC systems linked via the internet for the transmission of fixed ultrasound, radiography and scanner images, as well as moving ultrasound images. The assessment took into account was based upon the compression factor.


RESULTS
The commutative telephone network transmitted ultrasound and radiographic images by e-mail without difficulty, rapidly (3min 46s for 4Mo files, after compression), inexpensively, and well. The transmission of video ultrasound files using the same procedure was also of good quality, but and exorbitant amount of time was required to send and receive the files. A more advanced configuration could improve the transmission time only sligthly, to 2h30 min 19s for 15s sequences. Live tranmission of video ultrasound sequences by the internet cannot be considered with anything less than a connection including ISDN lines, the minimum to provide the necessary bandwith.


CONCLUSIONS
The Internet is a valuable tool to allow expert consultation in foetal medicine of live still images and recorded moving images.
Deshayes
J L
JL
CH Poissy, 10, rue du Champ Gaillard, 78300 Poissy et université Paris V-René Descartes.
Philippe
H J
HJ
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D011247:Pregnancy; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal