Simplifying the exploration of volumetric images: development of a 3D user interface for the radiologist's workplace.

Volumetric imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) provides increased diagnostic detail but is associated with the problem of navigation through large amounts of data. In an attempt to overcome this problem, a novel 3D navigation tool has been designed and developed that is based on an alternative input device. A 3D mouse allows for simultaneous definition of position and orientation of orthogonal or oblique multiplanar reformatted images or slabs, which are presented within a virtual 3D scene together with the volume-rendered data set and additionally as 2D images. Slabs are visualized with maximum intensity projection, average intensity projection, or standard volume rendering technique. A prototype has been implemented based on PC technology that has been tested by several radiologists. It has shown to be easily understandable and usable after a very short learning phase. Our solution may help to fully exploit the diagnostic potential of volumetric imaging by allowing for a more efficient reading process compared to currently deployed solutions based on conventional mouse and keyboard.

VISION2003: virtual learning units for medical training and education.

The project VISION2003 consists of several partners with different professions ranging from medicine to medical informatics, from computer science to didactics. Its aim is the development, testing, introduction and a long-time maintenance of an open, web-based, intelligent and adaptive teaching and learning system for medical education. The system is expected to enhance the acceptance and efficiency of conventional ways of learning by supplementing and supporting them and creating new methods for imparting knowledge ["VISION2003, Lehr-und Lernsysteme in der Medizin: Intelligente und Multimediale, Internetbasierte adaptive und intelligente Autorensysteme für kooperatives Training in der Medizin", (last valid on 17 January 2003) and Ein offenes sprachkonzept für verteilte wissensverarbeitung in der medizin, Tagungsabstract XVI International Congress of the European Federation for Medical Informatics MIE, September 2000]. This is done exemplarily in the specific fields of oncology, accident-surgery and cardiology in consideration of actual standards and didactical measures. The range of possible applications is wide, from electronically accessible scripts through example cases to complex simulations. The main focus of the project is the creation of an open and flexible internet platform for delivering multimedia-based learning units and the development of adaptive and intelligent authoring systems.

Telemedical support of prehospital emergency care in mass casualty incidents.

In the German emergency medical service system (EMSS) medical treatment can be improved in most of mass casualty incidents (MCI). Currently, the incident commander who is responsible for classification of the victims (depending on their urgency and condition, the so called triage) and ordered transportation uses paper-based documentation. Triage tags are used to identify and classify patients and gather treatment information. This can cause problems in medical treatment and in transportation of injured victims. Object-oriented modelling, simulation, and visualisation of processes can show deficits in treatment and data processing and thereby help to optimise medical workflow and logistics. If documentation by paramedics and emergency physicians is done electronically, all patient records could be send to a telemedical centre for central data administration. A telemedical supported triage tag helps identifying victims and managing detailed identification protocols. The paper-based documentation in emergency would become obsolete, if hospitals can query all protocols, diagnoses, and findings from the telemedical centre. Safety and security aspects can be guaranteed. The complete medical treatment workflow can be supported by telemedicine. Therefore, in case of MCI, telemedicine can optimise medical treatment and exonerate the paramedics from unnecessary documentation.