Fetal tele-echography using a robotic arm and a satellite link

Objective To design a method for conducting fetal ultrasound examinations in isolated hospital sites using a dedicated remotely controlled robotic arm (tele-echography). Methods Tele-echography was performed from our hospital (expert center) on 29 pregnant women in an isolated maternity hospital (patient site) 1700 km away, and findings were compared with those of conventional ultrasound examinations. At the patient site, a robotic arm holding the real ultrasound probe was placed on the patient's abdomen by an assistant with no experience of performing ultrasound. The robotic arm, remotely controlled with a fictive (expert) probe, reproduced the exact movements (tilting and rotating) of the expert band on the real ultrasound probe. Results In 93.1 % of the cases, all biometric parameters, placental location and amnotic fluid volume, were correctly assessed using the teleoperated robotic arm. In two cases, femur length could not be correctly measured. The mean duration of fetal ultrasound examination was 14 min (range, 10-18) and 18 min (range, 13-23) by conventional and tele-echography methods, respectively. The mean number of times the robotic arm was repositioned on the patient's abdomen was seven (range, 5-9). Conclusion Tele-echography using a robotic arm provides the main information needed to assess fetal growth and the intrauterine environment within a limited period of time. Copyright 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.