title: Three-dimensional teleradiology for surveillance following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the feasibility of 3-dimensional (3D) teleradiology in surveillance of patients treated with stent-grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 2002 and November 2003, 8 AAA patients (7 men; median age 73 years, range 62-84) with stent-grafts had follow-up computed tomograms (CT) performed at their local hospital and transmitted without loss across a broadband connection to the university hospital. On both monitors, the radiologists were presented with the complete CT axial dataset, sagittal and coronal reformatted slices, and a 3D volume-rendered reconstruction. The two radiologists were then able to simultaneously perform measurements and real-time manipulations of the axial and 3D pictures, which were discussed over the telephone or using a videoconferencing unit. Patient satisfaction, the radiologists' evaluation of the method, and the potential cost savings were explored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve follow-up CT scans were performed on the 8 patients. The time for transmission over the teleradiological network averaged 5 minutes, and the evaluation required 15 minutes at the university hospital. The overall technical quality of the images was rated as good by the university radiologist. In 11 studies, the stent-grafts were satisfactory, but a type III endoleak was detected in one 5.5-year-old stent-graft. Neither radiologist had a problem identifying the endoleak. Patients had confidence that the examination at the local hospital was of good quality; they all felt that they received good care and were pleased with avoiding travel to the university hospital. From the economic analysis, an annual savings of 40,000 Euros (USD 52,304) was projected, mostly due to avoiding hospital stays and outpatient consultations at the university hospital.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The experiences from this study are encouraging, but a larger series will be necessary for a thorough evaluation of 3D teleradiology as a surveillance method for aortic stent-graft patients.
authors.affiliation: SINTEF Health Research, Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Jon H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kaspersen
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aasland
authors.forename: Håkon O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Leira
authors.forename: Asbjørn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Odegård
authors.forename: Bjørn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nagelhus
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Størset
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lundbom
authors.forename: Thomas T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Rosenlund
authors.forename: Aksel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tjora
authors.forename: Hans O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Myhre
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017130:Angioplasty; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D017046:Cost Savings; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000191:economics; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*