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A fully integrated, digital system for day-to-day realtime documentation and conferencing between
ORs with image diagnostics dependent surgery and your imaging diagnostics expertise.
DigiLink OR is a fully integrated, realtime, digital imaging
solution for surgical conferencing and documentation in
OR-environments that are dependent upon imaging
diagnostics expertise. DigiLink provides a customized link to
your imaging department where your imaging expertise (Xray,
IVUS, US, endoscopic etc.) is located.
In many cases where extensive use of imaging technology
(US, IVUS, X-ray, endoscopy etc.) is present the physician
treating the patient isn't always the most fit to evaluate,
diagnose from and document the collected image material.
To minimize the need for personal movement, sterilization
issues and localization restrictions (the need to locate ORs
close to the imaging department) a network based, easyto-
use image and video conferencing system can be
integrated in your present diagnostics imaging setup. The
system will help you save valuable time for your best
imaging resources, create a better workflow and minimize
time needed for the surgeon in the OR. This will allow for
even more patient to be treated, not to mention that you
can make much better use of your facilities and
installments. A win-win for both departments as well as
your hospital resources!
Once DigiLink OR is installed it is "keyless" and is
operated by a single On/Off-button! It is typically mounted
on a mobile trolley and interconnects with your imaging
equipment (C-arm, US, endoscope etc.) using a single
image cable.
Pict. 1 - Schematic view of the individual components in a DigiLink-installation.
Realtime image transmission is based on the existing
hospital network. The DigiLink review station is equipped with
functions such as local storage, review of single and dynamic
sequences as well as DICOM-connectivity for central storage.
 Click on the image to view it in full size
The session is automatically activated as image or video
signal is present in the OR and feedback from the imaging department will display on the screen of the DigiLink
equipment. The feedback will including image remarks and
notes, i.e. highlighted areas, pointers and arrows etc. The
imaging department can carry out documentative tasks as
well - during or after the session. All in full DICOMworkflow
compliance.
The system also provides full duplex audio communications
through a integrated microphone setup. This ensures rapid,
“hands-off” discussion between departments in mid-surgery.
Pict. 2 - The imaging diagnostics expertise participates in the
conference from his desktop, via his DigiLink Review-station (PC-based).
For audio communication a headset is typically used.
As the system is built upon industry standard computer
components and uses your conventional network (LAN) to
transfer information between the OR-environment and the
imaging department a minimum of cabling is required
during installation.
A full installation is normally carried out in less than a day.
No in-wall cabling and no hazardous or dirty install-work is
needed. This ensures both a short break in your day-today
operation and better use of already existing
installations. The system is mobile and can be used in any
OR of your choice as long as network connectivity is
present!
DigiLink OR is designed to work with all major image
sources available from the imaging industry. Typically the
raw image is captured from an analog or digital source on
the image modality. Analog input can be of VGA- or videosignal-
type. Digital input can be of DVI/HDMI- or SDIsignal-
type. The system is very tunable in terms of image
input and can easily be upgraded to future input formats
as your environment changes and expands. As all image
processing is based on the industry standard formats most
imaging modalities are out-of-the-box compatible with
DigiLink.
The system operates in realtime *down to a micro-delay of
less than 0.2 seconds) for video encoding, transmission
and decoding based on Distributed Medicals highperformance
video engine called MEC. Depending on input
source the frame rate is tunable between 15 and 30
frames per second (fps). Most image environments settle
with around 20 fps once the system is tuned and tested.
As the system is designed to fit most imaging-in-surgery
environments the technical requirements are kept at a very
basic level. You need a basic switched ethernet network
(present at most hospitals world wide) for communications.
The actual bandwidth needed is a mere 6Mbit/s but the
recommendation is a available capacity of 10Mbit/s.
The DigiLink Viewing Station (at the imaging examination department), used by the coaching imaging expertise is
installed on a basic PC-workstation (typically bundled). For
use with x-ray image material a high contrast display
system is preferred.
Pict. 3 -The DigiLink appliance (right) is a mobile trolley
equipment that connects to the imaging facilities (such as mobile
c-arms) with a single DigiLink-appliance cable only.
Click on the image to view it in full size
DigiLink is fully DICOM compliant and can interoperate
directly with most imaging modalities currently on the
market. The system automatically converts the input source
material to DICOM-formatted images and function as a
‘PACS-bridge’. Hence DigiLink can be used as a converted
for imaging equipment not generically DICOm compliant.
DigiLink is currently compatible (tested and used) with a large number of RIS (Radiology Imaging Systems) setups
and PACS storage solutions through it’s comprehensive
DICOM-compliance. Please see DICOM conformance
statement for further details.
The system can be used in many areas and examination
setups as well as for DICOM:ization of non-DICOM
compliant image modalities. The generic use of the system
includes (but is not limited to)
- Ultra sound
- Intra Vascular Ultra Sound (IVUS)
- X-ray imaging
- Endoscopic imaging
- Multiple digital input formats DVI, SDI)
- Multiple analog input formats (VGA, composite video, S-video. etc.).
- Full color compliance in recording as well as playback incl. image control mechanisms (LUT-windowing for monochrome and contrast/brightness for color) available in playback- as well as in conferencing mode.
- Frame rate of 15fps to 30fps (depending on image source and type)
- Wide modality support including XA, US, CR and CS.
- Digital pointer toolbox for precision visual communications
- Optimized for touch screen interopability if needed
- Full DICOM and RIS compliance
- Multiple language versions available
- Full Windows XP and 7 compliance
- Standard ethernet network connectivity for all communications
- Clean and swift installation
- Full CE-compliance according to the new CE-MDD directive
(c) 20112012 Distributed Medical AB. All rights reserved!
Distributed Medical AB reserves the right to alter the exact specification through future development of the system with out prior notice. Any or all information is subject to change. Please always consult technical staff before making business decisions based upon the material in this document!
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