Digital Imaging and Data Integration Technology

Abstract

Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) have undergone rapid development in the last few years, proliferating into virtually all branches of modern medicine. In addition to the proliferation of digital imaging technology, the need to handle an enormous amount of other data created by physicians and administrators has profoundly changed hospital and office daily routine. Unfortunately, the spread of computing in medicine, including advances in communication technology, has not quite kept pace. Efficient transfer and storage of medical knowledge and data is the single most important prerequisite for top-class, yet economically affordable medicine in the future. Computing services promise to improve the quality of treatment, to simplify physicians’ tasks, and to reduce costs. To demonstrate the potentials of computing in medicine, we present in this chapter the evolving concept of the filmless, fully digitalized Department of Radiology, including digital manipulation of examination results and replacement of conventional archiving. Remote access to patient-related data and immediate, loss-free transfer of information will also be discussed.