Advanced Medical Imaging in a Distributed Setting

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to advanced medical imaging in a distributed setting. The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality. The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision. The method comprises the steps of acquiring data about the medical imaging procedure to be performed using a computing unit, acquiring data about at least one expert operator located at a workplace remote from the imaging modality using the computing unit, matching the data about the medical imaging procedure with the data about the expert operator, assigning at least one expert operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching, and providing a communication channel between the imaging modality and the remote workplace.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical imaging and in particular to advanced medical imaging in a distributed setting. Background Art

[0002] Modern medical imaging workflows require deep and experienced technical knowledge on a 24 / 7 basis. In particular, complex imaging processes using medical imaging modalities such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography systems require a deep understanding of the functionality of the individual imaging modalities and the underlying image generation processes.

[0003] Currently, performing imaging procedures is based on the scheduling of a scanner room, the imaging modality therein, and one or even two technicians / medical specialists who are also present in or near the scanner room during the entire imaging procedure.

[0004] However, healthcare providers are increasingly experiencing a decline in the availability of experienced technicians or radiographers on site. In particular, remote or rural areas lack well-educated and trained medical personnel to perform medical imaging procedures locally.

[0005] For the patient, this results in long and uncomfortable waiting or travel times, or even long and uncomfortable waiting and travel times, which may even be dangerous to the patient's health.

[0006] Furthermore, although the medical imaging process requires input from expert personnel regarding plans such as the required imaging protocol or patient positioning, time-consuming measurements cost the technologist a significant amount of valuable working time, particularly when considering that the actual presence of the technologist is only to monitor the patient during the measurement or the measurement itself. This results in inefficient workflows. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide alternatives and / or methods that allow for a flexible and on-demand allocation of technical expertise required for conducting medical imaging procedures.

[0008] The object is solved by a method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality, wherein the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision. The object is also solved by a corresponding system, a corresponding computer program product and a computer readable medium according to the other independent claims. Alternative embodiments and / or preferred embodiments are objects of the dependent claims.

[0009] In the following, the technical solution according to the present invention is described with respect to the claimed device and with respect to the claimed method. The features, advantages or alternative embodiments described herein can also be assigned to other claimed objects, and vice versa. In other words, the claims for solving the method of the present invention can be improved by the features described or claimed with respect to the device. In this case, for example, the functional features of the method are implemented by the target unit or element of the device.

[0010] Thus, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality.The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

[0011] Remote supervision may include remote interaction with and / or remote control of a medical imaging modality, such as starting and / or stopping a medical imaging process, setting and / or adjusting medical imaging parameters for a selected imaging protocol, interaction with patient positioning, etc. Remote supervision may therefore include data exchange between a remote workplace and the imaging modality, wherein a communication channel is required. Remote supervision may also include verbal and / or text or video data exchange and / or data transmission between a remote expert operator and a local operator and / or the patient being examined. In other words, data exchange and / or data transmission may occur bidirectionally.

[0012] The present invention is based on the finding that medical expert knowledge / technical expert knowledge need not be present locally at the site of a medical imaging procedure, but can advantageously be provided remotely at a requested time.

[0013] Advantageously, according to the method, at least one, preferably more than one, medical imaging procedure is performed. In the case of more than one medical imaging procedure, more than one imaging modality may be used. In other words, each imaging procedure may be performed using a different imaging modality. A plurality of imaging procedures may be performed consecutively. At least two imaging procedures may be performed simultaneously or at least partially in an overlapping manner.

[0014] The imaging modality preferably corresponds to a medical imaging modality. A medical imaging modality should be understood as a system for generating or producing a medical image of at least one body part of a patient. In other words, a medical imaging process corresponds to a process for acquiring or generating medical image data of a body part of a patient. For example, a medical imaging modality may be a computed tomography system, a magnetic resonance tomography system, an angiography (or C-arm X-ray) system, a positron emission tomography system, and the like. Specifically, computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging method and utilizes "hard" X-rays generated and detected by a special rotating instrument. The medical images produced are referred to as CT scans and are used to present the internal anatomical structures in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the patient's body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic technique that utilizes the effects of a magnetic field on the motion of protons. In an MRI machine, the detector is an antenna, and the signal is analyzed by a computer to create a detailed image of the internal structure in any part of the human body.

[0015] The method comprises a number of steps.

[0016] The first step involves acquiring data about the medical imaging process to be performed using a computing unit. Preferably, data of multiple, i.e. more than one, medical imaging processes are acquired. The data about at least one medical imaging process may be suitable for better describing the medical imaging process and characterizing the specific requirements of the medical imaging process. The data about the medical imaging process may preferably be used to distinguish different medical imaging processes from each other. The medical imaging process under consideration may preferably be related to a specific time rotation in, for example, a radiology workflow. The medical imaging process may be related to different imaging modalities and different medical sites where the imaging modalities are located. A medical site should be understood as a medical facility such as a hospital, a radiation institution or a radiology department. The medical site includes at least one medical imaging device or system for performing a medical imaging process. Preferably, several medical imaging systems are located at the medical site.

[0017] Another step involves acquiring, using the computing unit, data about at least one expert operator located at a workplace remote from the imaging modality and / or the medical site. In other words, the expert operator may have access to the remote workplace, or may be located at the remote workplace. This means that the expert operator may be present at the location of the remote workplace, or may remotely access the remote workplace from another location. Preferably, data of multiple (i.e., more than one) expert operators are acquired. An expert operator may be understood as a medical and / or technical expert who is well trained and / or has extensive experience in conducting and directing medical imaging procedures. Typically, the expert knowledge and experience level is only for one or a limited number of medical imaging procedures and / or corresponding imaging modalities. In other words, the workplace provides a pool of expert operators or specific technical / medical expertise and knowledge.

[0018] The expert operator is further characterized in that he or she is located remotely from at least one imaging modality. In other words, in a system in which more than one imaging modality is located at different medical sites, the expert operator may be located at the medical site of one of the imaging modalities, but remotely from the other medical sites of the system. Alternatively, the expert operator is located at a completely different location. The expert operator is further characterized in that he or she can remotely operate at least one, preferably more than one, most preferably more than one imaging modality in succession during the course of the corresponding imaging process. Data about at least one remote expert operator can be used to identify the expert operator and / or to distinguish the expert operator from other remote expert operators in terms of their respective medical expert capabilities and / or technical expert capabilities and / or their availability. At least one expert operator may be located at only one remote workplace. Alternatively, the expert operator may have access to more than one, i.e., several different remote workplaces, which are preferably remotely from the medical sites of the imaging modalities.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any of the steps of obtaining data includes requesting data from at least one database. The step of obtaining data may include sending a request for relevant information to a data source (e.g., a database, a local server or a central server, a hospital or radiology information system (RIS / HIS), etc.). Alternatively, the data processed using the method of the present invention may be provided in a push manner without an initial request.

[0020] Data about at least one imaging procedure may preferably be stored in a database or data repository as part of a RIS or HIS scheduling system or module. Data about expert operators may be stored in a database of expert operators. The database of expert operators may include data about expert operators at one or several remote workplaces and may therefore be a database of a specific workplace or a central database. Data about at least one patient or a corresponding medical condition may preferably be stored in a patient database or data repository / database, in particular as part of a corresponding electronic patient or health record file of a medical facility. The step of acquiring or retrieving data may also include analysis of text or voice files contained in electronic patient records (e.g. referrals or previous reports). The analysis may include optical character recognition (OCR) technology and / or semantic analysis.

[0021] Another method step involves matching, with the computing unit, data about the medical imaging procedure with data about the expert operator. This means matching at least a portion of the data about the medical imaging procedure with at least a portion of the data about the expert operator. In other words, the matching step identifies a compliance or compatibility measure between the medical imaging procedure and the expert operator. Preferably, the matching step identifies a plurality of compliance measures for a plurality of imaging procedure-expert pairs based on the acquired data. As an example, one of these compliance measures may include comparing the availability of the expert operator with a scheduled time for performing the medical imaging procedure.

[0022] In doing so, the method of the present invention identifies a preferred and / or advantageous combination of expert operator and imaging process in the sense that the specific technical expertise is suitable for the specific requirements of the imaging process.

[0023] The matching step may include performing a binary match according to a preset data combination or may include determining a degree of compatibility related to a continuous range. The matching step may include at least temporarily storing the degree of compatibility or conformity measure of each imaging process-expert pair for further processing.

[0024] Another method step involves assigning at least one expert operator to a medical imaging procedure using a computing unit based on the matching. This step associates the medical imaging procedure to be performed with the remote expert operator identified during the matching as having the highest degree of compliance. Thus, the assigning step may also include comparing the values ​​of compliance of different imaging procedure-expert pairs to identify the maximum value. The assigning step may also include storing the assignment of the expert operator to the corresponding imaging procedure in a scheduling component of the HIS or RIS.

[0025] Alternatively, the assigning step may comprise not assigning an expert operator to the at least one medical imaging procedure, for example when the value of the degree of compliance is below a predetermined threshold or no expert operator is available.

[0026] Another step of the method involves providing a communication channel between the imaging modality and the remote workplace. In other words, this step establishes an interactive connection between the workplace, i.e. the expert operator, and the medical imaging modality, which enables real-time interaction between the expert operator and the imaging modality during the imaging process. The communication channel may preferably be based on Virtual Network Computing (VNC). Providing the communication channel may include a step of the expert operator logging in using a registered ID and password.

[0027] In other words, the idea of ​​the present invention is to provide real-time medical and / or technical expert operator guidance and / or control by identifying an expert operator that is well suited for the requested imaging procedure, regardless of the location of the expert operator or the medical imaging modality used for the imaging procedure. In doing so, the method of the present invention advantageously obviates the need for the expert operator to be physically present at the location where the medical imaging procedure is performed. The step of analyzing and / or matching data about the imaging procedure and the expert operator combines the specific requirements of the imaging procedure with the necessary medical / technical expertise available at the time.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of providing a communication channel comprises notifying the imaging modality of the assigned expert operator by means of the computing unit. The notification can be sent to the imaging modality before the communication channel is established. The notification can be sent from the computing unit performing the method steps. Additionally or alternatively, the prior notification can be sent to the workplace where the expert operator is located. The notification can also be sent via the corresponding communication partner, i.e. from the computing unit to the imaging modality and from the imaging modality to the remote workplace.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an expert operator is assigned to more than one imaging process at the same time, and a communication channel is provided between the remote workplace and each corresponding imaging modality. In other words, based on the matching step, more than one imaging process is identified to provide a degree of compliance value above a predetermined threshold. The correspondingly identified imaging modalities can be located at one or more medical sites. Therefore, an expert operator remotely participates in more than one imaging process at least partially and / or intermittently. This embodiment enables the effective and therefore cost-saving use of the valuable working time of the expert operator. At the same time, the quality of each imaging process participated in is improved and the effectiveness is therefore improved, resulting in fewer repeated measurements, higher patient comfort and / or more efficient workflow and modality occupancy.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, more than one imaging process is performed at at least two different medical sites, wherein the expert operator is connected to these medical sites. Therefore, the present invention enables the expert knowledge to be provided flexibly, regardless of where the expert operator is located. At least two different medical sites can be located away from the remote workplace, i.e. away from each other. In other words, three different locations are involved. However, one of the medical sites may also be located at the location of the remote workplace. Here, only two different locations are involved.

[0031] Alternatively, at least two imaging procedures are performed at the same medical site.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data about at least one expert operator includes at least one of the following groups of data / information:

[0033] Identification data,

[0034] Availability data,

[0035] Expert knowledge data.

[0036] Identification data may be configured to identify an expert operator, etc. Identification data may include, for example, name tags, personal initials, abbreviations. Availability data may include data on normal working hours, time shifts, information on the lack of expert operators. Expert knowledge data may include data on technical and / or medical expertise. Expert knowledge data may include education level or level, category of expertise on imaging modality type, imaging procedure type, years of work experience or number of corresponding examinations performed, etc.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data regarding at least one medical imaging procedure comprises at least one of the following groups of data / information:

[0038] Data related to patients,

[0039] Data on the corresponding imaging modality (type and availability),

[0040] Data about the body region or organ of interest,

[0041] Initial suspicion data,

[0042] Current medical condition data,

[0043] Data regarding the timing of the imaging process.

[0044] The data relating to the patient may be suitable for providing additional information about the patient to be imaged with the imaging procedure, such as data about the patient's gender or age, which additional information may place specific demands on the imaging procedure and therefore require a high level of technical expertise. The data relating to the medical imaging modality may be suitable for characterizing the imaging modality to be applied for the imaging procedure, in particular the type of modality, such as CT or MRT or C-arm system etc. The data relating to the medical imaging modality may likewise include data about the manufacturer, which may likewise impose specific expertise on the operator side. Furthermore, the data may include data about the patient's body region or organ of interest, data about the initial suspicion or data about the patient's current medical condition, each data item possibly restricting applicable imaging protocols or imaging practices.

[0045] The more data about the imaging process and the expert operator are provided and taken into account for the matching, the higher the degree of conformity that can be achieved by performing the matching step of the invention.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of acquiring, using the computing unit, data about at least one local operator located at the site of the imaging modality. Preferably, data about more than one local operator is acquired.

[0047] Compared to an expert operator, a local operator is located at the site of the medical imaging modality used for the imaging process. Compared to an expert operator, a local operator does not need to have the same level of technical / medical expertise. However, the local operator is responsible for on-site actions, preferably patient-related processing and all patient interactions. In other words, the local operator is responsible for any necessary physical arrangements involved in the imaging process, such as patient positioning, contrast agent management, coil positioning, to name a few examples. Therefore, the local operator still needs to be well trained or have rich experience in another field of action anyway.

[0048] The acquisition step may be performed in the same manner as previously described with respect to data relating to expert operators. Data relating to local operators may be stored in a database of local operators. The database of local operators preferably comprises data relating to local operators at one medical site and is therefore specific to a medical facility.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data about at least one local operator includes at least one of the following groups of data / information:

[0050] Identification data,

[0051] Availability data,

[0052] Expert knowledge data.

[0053] The identification data may be suitable for identifying a local operator, etc. The identification data may, for example, include a name tag, personal initials, abbreviations. The availability data may include data on normal working hours, time rotations, information on the lack of local operators. The expert knowledge data may include education level or level, category of expertise on imaging modality types, imaging procedure types, years of work experience or number of corresponding examinations performed, etc. Another step of the method of the present invention involves matching the data on the imaging procedure with the data on the local operator. Another step involves assigning at least one local operator to the imaging procedure based on the match.

[0054] The matching step and the assigning step essentially correspond to the steps previously described with respect to the expert operator and the imaging process, although they are applied to data relating to a local operator.

[0055] Furthermore, the step of matching data about the imaging process and the local operator may further include matching data about at least one expert operator with data about the local operator, thereby further ensuring a predetermined degree of compliance between the expert operator to be assigned to the imaging process and the local operator. For example, language skills may be matched to ensure that the local operator and the expert operator can communicate via a communication channel during the imaging process.

[0056] In addition, this embodiment can also provide the following results: for example, no local expert is assigned to the imaging process when no local operator is required to perform on-site actions. In this case, the communication channel according to the method of the present invention can be used to enable verbal communication between the expert operator and the patient.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, the communication channel between the imaging modality and the remote workplace is configured to enable remote setting of imaging parameters at the imaging modality by an expert operator and / or oral and / or written or textual communication via the imaging modality and the remote workplace, in particular between the local operator and the expert operator. In other words, the communication channel may provide an Internet connection, preferably the communication channel may include a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connection and / or a (text / video or audio) chat connection. Thus, the communication channel may provide a graphical user interface on the remote workplace side as well as on the imaging modality side. In addition to this, the communication channel may also include a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) channel, enabling remote control of the imaging modality according to the requirements of the imaging process.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the assignment of an expert operator is attached to the medical image data generated using the imaging process. This measurement advantageously provides a record of the expert operator assigned to the imaging process. By including information about the expert operator involved in the imaging process in the medical image data generated during imaging, the expert operator can be directly identified by viewing the image data. Therefore, in the case of questions related to the details of the image data or the imaging process, the radiologist can directly contact the expert operator. The assignment can be attached to the image data by, for example, introducing additional metadata tags to the corresponding DICOM image file, wherein the tag can include data identifying the expert operator, such as personal initials or abbreviations, etc. Alternatively, the imaging process and the assignment of the expert operator can be, for example, in the form of an electronic schedule of all imaging processes planned by day and / or week and / or month, at least temporarily stored in the RIS or HIS of the medical facility. Here, each entry or field in the schedule can correspond to an imaging process whose entry can include the assigned expert operator. Similarly, the assigned local operator can be stored in the schedule.

[0059] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality, wherein the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision. The system comprises the following units:

[0060] at least one imaging modality,

[0061] At least one workplace remote from the imaging modality,

[0062] A computing unit configured to:

[0063] obtaining data about the medical imaging procedure to be performed,

[0064] acquiring data about at least one expert operator located at a workplace remote from the imaging modality,

[0065] matching data about the medical imaging procedure with data about the expert operator, and

[0066] Based on the matching, at least one expert operator is assigned to the medical imaging procedure.

[0067] The imaging modality and the teleworksite are configured to provide a communication channel between each other.

[0068] The system may comprise only one or more than one, i.e. a plurality of, imaging modalities, i.e. at least two imaging modalities. The at least two imaging modalities may be located at different medical sites, however, alternatively, at least some of them may be located at the same site, for example in a hospital. The imaging modality may comprise an interface or a communication unit configured to provide (i.e. establish) at least a communication channel with a remote workplace for data exchange, preferably via an Internet connection. The interface and the communication unit may also be adapted to communicate with at least one local server and / or a central (network) server, for example, with a local hospital information system (HIS) or a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) or a cloud server.

[0069] The system may comprise only one workplace or more than one workplace, i.e. a plurality of workplaces, i.e. at least two workplaces. The workplace according to the invention is a remote workplace, i.e. the workplace is located far away from at least one of the imaging modalities comprised by the system. In other words, at least one workplace is located at a different site than the site of at least one imaging modality. Thus, the system may comprise a plurality of imaging modalities and a plurality of remote workplaces, wherein at least one workplace may likewise be located at the same site of a first imaging modality, but far away from the site of at least one second imaging modality comprised by the system.

[0070] The remote workplace may comprise a user interface unit. The user interface unit may be understood as comprising a display device including a display screen, such as a workstation or a mobile device. The user interface unit may comprise: a communication interface for exchanging data with at least one imaging modality, a computing unit, a local server and / or a central (network) server via an Internet connection. The workplace is also configured to receive or generate and present a visualization of a graphical user interface of at least one imaging modality, such as for remote supervision, such as for imaging parameter adjustment. Therefore, the workplace is also suitable for receiving expert operator input via the input unit, such as for setting imaging parameters of a medical imaging procedure. In addition, the workplace is suitable for providing, generating and visualizing a graphical user interface for verbal or textual communication between a local operator and an expert operator.

[0071] Therefore, the imaging modality also comprises at least one display unit and is adapted to provide and / or generate and visualize a graphical user interface for verbal or textual communication between the local operator and the expert operator.

[0072] The computing unit is adapted to implement the method of the invention for performing at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality, wherein the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

[0073] Thus, the computing unit may comprise an acquisition unit configured to acquire data about at least one medical imaging procedure to be performed, data about at least one expert operator and / or data about at least one local operator. The acquisition unit may be implemented in the form of an interface unit. The computing unit may further comprise a matching unit configured to match at least part of the data about the medical imaging procedure with at least part of the data about the expert operator and / or at least part of the data about the local operator. The computing unit may further comprise an assignment unit configured to assign at least one expert operator and / or at least one local operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching. The computing unit may further comprise an initiation unit configured to initiate the setting of a communication channel between the medical imaging modality and the remote workplace.

[0074] The computing unit can be implemented as a data processing system or as a part of a data processing system. Such a data processing system can, for example, include a cloud computing system, a computer network, a computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, etc. The computing unit can include hardware and / or software. The hardware can be, for example, a processor system, a memory system, and a combination thereof. The hardware can be configured and / or operated by software. Generally, all units, subunits, or modules of the computing unit can, for example, be connected via a network or a corresponding interface at least temporarily exchange data with each other. Therefore, the various units of the computing unit can be located separately from each other. Preferably, the computing unit is a part of a local hospital information system (HIS) or a radiology information system (RIS) and is suitable for performing the method of the present invention on a medical site, such as a corresponding medical facility. Alternatively, the computing unit can be implemented in the form of a central computing unit that communicates with multiple medical sites or multiple local information systems and is suitable for performing the method of the present invention on their corresponding multiple medical imaging modalities.

[0075] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program elements which, when loaded into the memory of a computing unit, direct the computing unit of the system to perform at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality to perform the steps of a method according to the invention, wherein the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

[0076] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium having program elements stored thereon, which are capable of being read and executed by a computing unit of a system to perform at least one medical imaging procedure using an imaging modality, so that when the program elements are executed by the computing unit, the steps of the method of the invention are performed, wherein the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

[0077] Implementing the invention by means of a computer program product and / or a computer-readable medium has the advantage that already existing systems can be easily adapted by means of a software update to operate in accordance with the invention.

[0078] A computer program product may be, for example, a computer program or another element beside the computer program itself. The other element may be hardware such as a memory device on which the computer program is stored, a hardware key for using the computer program, etc., and / or software such as documentation or a software key for using the computer program. The computer program product may also include development materials, a runtime system and / or a database or library. The computer program product may be distributed among several computer instances.

[0079] In summary, the present invention achieves a change in the daily workflow of a medical site, such as a radiology department. The present invention enables the concentration of experienced and well-trained technicians / radiographers (expert operators) in at least one, preferably several remote workplaces. Especially for areas or places where there is no or only a few expertise available, the present invention also improves the distribution of technical / medical expertise of expert operators. By introducing a matching step, it can be ensured that a high level of expertise is provided when needed. By providing a communication channel, the ability and experience of expert operators are remotely connected and shared during the imaging process, thereby ensuring an improvement in image quality, reducing rescanning and long waiting or travel time for patients, and thus improving patient comfort. By providing access to imaging modalities and other communication channels, the workflow according to the present invention includes the following:

[0080] Expert operators are no longer restricted to the imaging modality of the scene.

[0081] Local operator-expert operator interaction is possible, which actually improves the knowledge level,

[0082] A professional operator is no longer bound to the entire duration of an imaging session, but can participate in several imaging sessions almost simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The characteristics, features and advantages of the above invention and the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and easier to understand from the following description and embodiments, which will be described in detail with respect to the accompanying drawings. The following description does not limit the invention to the embodiments included. In different drawings, the same components or parts may be marked with the same reference numerals. Generally, the drawings are not drawn to scale. In the following drawings:

[0084] Figure 1 An inventive system for performing at least one medical imaging procedure according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted,

[0085] Figure 2 An inventive method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure according to an embodiment of the invention is described, and

[0086] Figure 3 A schedule as adapted according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Figure 1 A system 1 for performing at least one medical imaging procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The system 1 is suitable for performing at least one medical imaging procedure according to, for example, Figure 2One or more embodiments of the method described further perform the method of the present invention. System 1 includes components and / or units that can be distributed on an extended environment. Therefore, each system component can be located at different sites or locations. However, there can be system components located at the same site.

[0088] The system comprises a computing unit 10. The system 1 further comprises a first remote workplace 50 and a second remote workplace 60. The system 1 further comprises several imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32. The system may comprise more than two remote workplaces, but may also comprise fewer. The system 1 may comprise more than four imaging modalities, but may also comprise fewer.

[0089] The imaging modalities 21, 22 are located in a medical facility 20 (e.g., a hospital located at a first site). The imaging modalities 21, 22 can be implemented as CT, ultrasound, X-ray (e.g., mammography), angiography or MRT systems, but other types of imaging modalities are also possible. The imaging modalities 31, 32 are located in a medical facility 30 (e.g., a mobile radiology center located at a second site). The imaging modalities 31, 32 can be implemented as CT, ultrasound, X-ray (e.g., mammography), angiography or MRT systems, but other types of imaging modalities are also possible. However, the imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 of the system 1 are suitable for generating medical image data as a result of a medical imaging process IMP using corresponding image generation units not described in further detail. The imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 also include user interface units 212, 222, 312, 322, which include input units and output units. The output unit may be suitable for graphically visualizing the generated image data to a local operator or patient. The output unit may be suitable for graphically visualizing a graphical user interface to plan an imaging process or a corresponding protocol. In addition, the output unit may be suitable for visualizing a chat window so that written communication or video communication can be performed with a remote expert operator. The output unit may also be suitable for outputting an audio chat signal. The input unit may be suitable for receiving user inputs about a process or protocol plan, written or audio chat input, etc. Therefore, the user interface unit 212, 222, 312, 322 may include an LCD, plasma or OLED screen or display. A touch-sensitive screen, keyboard, mouse or microphone and speaker may also be included. Therefore, the user interface unit 212, 222, 312, 322 may also include a corresponding processing unit (not shown), which is suitable for, for example, providing a graphical user interface as described above, suitable for displaying the generated medical image data on a display and / or suitable for processing manual input or audio input received from a user.

[0090] The imaging modality 21 , 22, 31 , 32 may further comprise an interface unit 21 1 , 221 , 31 1 , 321 adapted for bidirectional data exchange with the respective processing unit 23, 33, as further explained below.

[0091] The imaging modalities 21 , 22 , 31 , 32 may be located at more or less than two locations or different medical facilities 20 , 30 .

[0092] The medical facilities 20 and 30 each comprise a local processing unit 23 and 33. The local processing units 23, 33 are adapted to collect electronic files of patients treated in the respective medical facilities 20, 30 and store them in, for example, an electronic patient register 24, 34, which comprises, for each patient, an electronic health record EHR. The electronic health record EHR is characterized in that it comprises data related to the patient, i.e. data identifying the patient, data indicating a medical condition, electronic referral documents, electronic previous report documents, previous or current suspected diagnoses, treatment or medical imaging procedure plans, image data, etc. The local processing units 23, 33 also comprise a local database 25, 35, each of which comprises data about preferably a plurality of local operators LOO, wherein the data relate to individual local operator personnel, and the data respectively comprise data identifying the local operator personnel, data indicating working hours and / or data about technical expertise or experience level. The electronic patient file register 24, 34 and the local operator database 25, 35 may be (semi-)automatically or manually extended, modified or updated, for example when a new patient or a new local operator is registered to the processing unit 23, 33, or when data related to a local operator needs to be adjusted. The manual modification may be performed via a user interface unit of the processing unit 23, 33 that substantially corresponds to the user interface unit of the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32. The local processing unit 23, 33 may also comprise a scheduling unit 26, 36, which is arranged to schedule, coordinate or monitor the medical imaging procedures IMP to be performed on any imaging modality of the respective medical facility 20, 30 a day or a week in advance, during a working shift. In other words, the scheduling unit 26, 36 is adapted to provide an electronic schedule or plan SCH. The schedule SCH is adapted to indicate for each imaging modality which patient is to undergo a medical imaging procedure and the corresponding time. The schedule SCH may be displayed to and / or modified by a user, such as a local operator, via a user interface unit of the processing unit 23, 33.

[0093] The local processing unit 23, 33 may be implemented as a local server including a microcontroller or an integrated circuit. The local processing unit 23, 33 may include hardware and / or software elements, such as a microprocessor or an FPGA (field programmable gate array). The local processing unit 23, 33 may also include a storage unit, which may be implemented as a temporary storage unit, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a permanent mass storage unit hard disk drive, USB stick, SD card, solid state disk, etc.

[0094] The local processing unit 23, 33 may further comprise an interface unit 231, 331 adapted to bidirectionally exchange data with any of the corresponding imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 (via its respective interface unit 211, 221, 311, 321). For example, the imaging modality 22 may actively send updated data about the duration of the current medical imaging procedure IMP to the scheduling unit 26, or the scheduling unit 26 may send data about the next imaging procedure to be performed on the imaging modality 21 to the modality. The local processing unit 23, 33 may preferably be implemented as a HIS system or a RIS system.

[0095] The interface units 211, 221, 311, 321, 231, 331 for data exchange can be implemented as hardware interfaces or software interfaces, such as PCI bus, USB or FireWire. Data transmission is preferably implemented using a network connection. The network can be implemented as a local area network (LAN) (e.g., an intranet) or a wide area network (WAN). The network connection is preferably wireless, such as a wireless LAN (WLAN or WiFi). The network can include a combination of different network examples. Data transmission can be based on request or push.

[0096] The workplace 50, 60 is characterized in that it is located at a remote location from at least one of the medical imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32. This means that the workplace 50, 60 can be implemented as an independent service center far away from any medical facility 20, 30. Alternatively, the workplace 50, 60 can be located in the medical facility 20, 30 or as an integral part of the medical facility 20, 30, for example, the workplace 60 can correspond to the expert / radiology center of the medical facility 30. Therefore, the workplace 60 can provide technical / medical expertise as a service to the remote medical facility 20. The workplace 50, 60 each includes a corresponding user interface unit 51, 61, which includes an input unit and an output unit. The output unit can be suitable for graphically visualizing the generated image data to an expert operator located at the workplace 50, 60 and working at the workplace 50, 60. The output unit can be suitable for graphically visualizing a graphical user interface for planning an imaging process or a corresponding protocol. In addition, the output unit may be adapted to visualize a chat window, enabling written or video communication with a local operator at the site of the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32. The output unit may also be adapted to output an audio chat signal. The input unit may be adapted to receive user input (of a remote expert operator) about logging into at least one imaging modality, a process or a protocol plan, such as adaptation of protocol parameters, written or audio chat input, etc. Preferably, the output unit of the user interface unit of the workplace is adapted to mirror the graphical output of the user interface unit 212, 222, 312, 322. Thus, the user interface unit 51, 61 may comprise an LCD, plasma or OLED screen or display. The user interface unit 51, 61 may also comprise a touch-sensitive screen, a keyboard, a mouse or a microphone and a speaker. The processing unit 53, 63 of the workplace 50, 60 is adapted, for example, to provide a graphical user interface as set forth above, to display the generated medical image data on a display and / or to process manual input or audio input received from a user, etc.

[0097] The workplace 50, 60 also includes a database 52, 62 of expert operators. These databases contain a list of all expert operators EXO working at the workplace 50, 60. The database contains all the data available for each expert operator EXO. The data about the expert operator EXO may include data identifying the expert operator, availability data (working hours, absences) and data about technical / medical expertise. In other words, the database 52, 62 provides a register of expert operators.

[0098] The database 52, 62 may be (semi-)automatically or manually expanded, modified or updated, for example when a new expert operator is registered to the workplace 50, 60 or when data relating to an expert operator needs to be adjusted. Manual modifications may be performed via a user interface unit of the respective workplace 50, 60.

[0099] The workplace 50, 60 also includes an interface unit 54, 64 for data exchange, such as data transmission, with at least one of the imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 (i.e., a communication channel), at least one of the processing units 23, 33, or the computing unit 10 of the system 1, as further described below. The interface unit 54, 64 and the data exchange via it can be configured in the same manner as the interface unit 211, 221, 311, 321, 231, 331 and the data transmission of the imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 or the processing units 32, 33.

[0100] The workplace 50, 60 may be implemented as a fixed workstation including a local server and / or database. However, the workplace may also include a mobile device such as a tablet computer for providing the user interface unit 51, 61 and the interface unit 54, 64, while the processing unit 63, 53 and the database 62, 52 may be implemented as a local server system or a central server system physically separated from the mobile device. Here, more than one interface unit is provided for each workplace 50, 60.

[0101] The computing unit 10 of the system 1 may include a server system. The computing unit may include a real or virtual computer group, such as a so-called "cluster" or "cloud". Alternatively, the computing unit may be a central server such as a cloud server, or a local server located on the site of a medical facility 20, 30, for example. The computing unit may be implemented as a part of a processing unit 23 or 33, and may therefore be a part of a medical facility 20, 30, thereby serving only one or more medical facilities 20, 30. However, the computing unit may also be implemented as an independent entity separated from the medical facility 20, 30. In particular, the computing unit 10 may be implemented as a virtual machine in the cloud. Like all other system components, the computing unit 10 includes an interface unit 11. The interface unit 11 is configured to obtain data about at least one medical imaging process to be performed, about at least one expert operator, or about at least one local expert. The interface unit 11 and the corresponding data transmission are configured in the same manner as has been described above. The computing unit also includes a matching unit 12, which is suitable for matching data about the medical imaging process with data about the expert operator and / or the local operator. The computing unit further comprises an assignment unit 13 adapted to assign at least one expert operator and / or local operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching. The computing unit further comprises a providing unit 14 adapted to provide (i.e. activate) at least one communication channel between the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 and the remote workplace 50, 60, e.g. via a corresponding notification to the workplace 50, 60, the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 or the processing unit 23, 33.

[0102] As already indicated above, the various system components can be connected to each other at least temporarily for data transmission and / or exchange. For example, the computing unit 10 can be activated by any of the processing units 23, 33 based on a request, wherein the request is sent via the interface unit 231, 331. The computing unit 10 also communicates with the database / register 52, 62, 25, 35, 26, 36, 24, 34 via the described interfaces to retrieve data about expert operators or local operators and planned medical imaging procedures (and / or related patients). The workplace 50, 60 can request the establishment of a communication channel via the interfaces 64, 54 and 211, 221, 311, 321 by sending a start notification to at least one of the imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32.

[0103] Figure 2 An inventive method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure according to an embodiment of the invention is described. The inventive method is a computer-implemented method. The inventive method is characterized in that the medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision, i.e. supervision by an expert operator EXO from a remote workplace 50, 60.

[0104] In step S1, data about at least one medical imaging procedure IMP to be performed on any of the imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 are acquired. Step S1 may include sending a request notification to the processing unit 23, 24 requesting data about the medical imaging procedure, and receiving data about at least one, preferably more than one, imaging procedure IMP from the processing unit 23, 24. The data about the imaging procedure IMP may include data related to the patient, data about a body region or organ of interest, initial suspicion data, current medical condition data, data about the timing of the imaging procedure, and / or data about applicable imaging modalities (e.g. type and availability). These data may be provided by the processing subunit 24, 34, 26, 36 or the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 after an internal request and may be sent to the computing unit 10.

[0105] In step S2, data about at least one expert operator, preferably more than one expert operator EXO, located at a workplace 50, 60 remote from the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 is acquired. Step S2 may also include sending a request notification for data about the expert operator EXO to the workplace 50, 60, and receiving data about the expert operator EXO from the workplace 50, 60. The data about the expert operator EXO may include identification data, availability data, expert knowledge data. These data may be provided by the database 52, 62 after an internal request and may be sent to the computing unit 10 via the interface 54, 64.

[0106] In other words, steps S1 and S2 comprise requesting data from at least one database 24, 34, 52 or 62. Alternatively, the data are sent to the computing unit 10 on a push basis, for example automatically after implementing or modifying an entry in any of the databases 24, 34, 52 or 62, and are at least temporarily stored in the storage unit 15 of the computing unit.

[0107] In step S3, the data about the medical imaging process IMP is matched with the data about the expert operator EXO. Here, the matching unit 12 of the computing unit associates the data items about the imaging process IMP with the data items about the expert operator EXO to determine the conformity measure of each combination or pair of the expert operator EXO and the imaging process IMP. For the matching step, not all data items provided to the matching unit 12 need to be considered. Instead, the data items about the expert operator EXO and the preset categories or classifications of the medical imaging process IMP are predefined to be associated with each other. For example, the availability data item of the expert operator EXO is associated with the preset time requirement item of the imaging process IMP. If the preset time of the imaging process IMP is within the working time of the expert operator EXO, the first conformity measure element is determined. In addition, the data items related to the expert operator can correspond to pediatric experience, that is, experience in imaging children, which is usually sufficient to impose specific requirements on the imaging settings. Therefore, the data items related to the imaging process indicating that the patient to be imaged is a child can be associated with the data items related to the expert operator indicating that the expert operator has a certain level of experience in imaging children. Thereby, another compliance measure element is determined. For one expert operator-imaging process pair, the total number of associated data items is not limited and depends on the number of available data items that are related to or applicable to the same data category and can therefore be associated. Therefore, the compliance measure may include multiple individual elements that together explain the overall degree of compliance. There may be a compliance measure element that, when below a predetermined threshold, prohibits or alternatively causes the expert operator EXO to be assigned to the imaging process IMP regardless of the other determined compliance measure elements.

[0108] In step S4, an expert operator EXO is assigned to at least one medical imaging procedure IMP based on the match. This step comprises identifying the expert operator EXO having the highest compliance measure for a specific imaging procedure IMP from the group of expert operators under consideration. The identification may be based on: evaluating the total number of compliance measure elements and / or the individual compliance determined for each element. Assigning the expert operator EXO to the imaging procedure IMP also comprises introducing or entering a mark or expert operator tag in the scheduling unit 26, 36 of the medical facility 20, 30, wherein the mark is suitable for identifying the assigned expert operator EXO. The introduction of the mark may be performed based on a corresponding command notification from the computing unit 10 to the processing unit 23, 33, wherein the command notification comprises data identifying the addressed expert operator-imaging procedure pair. Thus, the assignment step comprises adjusting the scheduling table SCH present in the scheduling unit 26, 36.

[0109] Figure 3A schedule table SCH creatively adapted according to one embodiment is depicted. Column 1 (left side) depicts the time / duration of the imaging process. Columns 2 to 5 represent imaging modalities 21, 22, 31, 32 in medical facilities 20, 30, here including CT1, CT2, MR1 and MR2. Of course, more or fewer imaging modalities and other imaging modalities can be provided in the medical facilities. Each row in the schedule table SCH represents the duration of a 15-minute time slot for an imaging process at each imaging modality. The entries of the imaging process each include at least the patient name, such as Tischler, K., the body area to be imaged, such as the abdomen, and in special cases, the type of imaging process, such as tumor or cardiac examination, and other fields (such as EXO1, EXO2 or EXO3) identifying the assigned expert operator. It is also possible that there are imaging processes in which no expert operator is assigned. Therefore, the imaging process does not indicate an expert operator. However, these imaging processes are assigned local operators, which can also be indicated and recorded in the schedule table SCH (not shown).

[0110] In particular, step S4 comprises that one expert operator EXO shows the greatest degree of compliance for a plurality of imaging processes IMP. In particular, those imaging processes IMP are planned substantially simultaneously. Here, as explained above, the expert operator EXO is assigned to more than one imaging process IMP simultaneously.

[0111] In a further step S5, a communication channel COC between the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 and the remote workplace 50, 60 is provided. Step S5 comprises, after the expert operator EXO has been assigned to the imaging process IMP, sending a notification to any one of the workplaces 50, 60 where the assigned expert operator EXO works and to the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 where the imaging process IMP will be performed, so as to mutually identify the corresponding communication partners for the imaging process IMP. As soon as the imaging process IMP is approaching or has already started, the expert operator EXO can manually start and log in to the processing system of the imaging modality by sending an access request to the corresponding imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32. In addition, based on the request, a chat channel can be established, enabling written or audio communication. The access request can also be sent automatically, for example triggered according to time.

[0112] Especially in the case where an expert operator is assigned to more than one imaging process in parallel, automatic request sending may be advantageous. In this case, more than one communication channel COC is established in parallel.

[0113] Once the communication channel COC is established, the user interface unit 51, 61 may mirror a graphical user interface, as also displayed at the imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32, for the expert operator EXO to remotely set or adjust imaging parameters for slice planning and / or patient positioning in (quasi) real time via the communication channel. Furthermore, the mirrored graphical user interface may enable the expert operator EXO to remotely start / stop image acquisition. Additionally, the expert operator may communicate with the local operator LOO present at the imaging modality via an audio, text and / or video live chat channel.

[0114] The steps of matching, assigning and providing can be repeated for a plurality of expert operator-imaging process pairs, wherein the order of the steps is not fixed according to the invention. Ideally, the result of the method of the invention is that each imaging process planned is assigned a remote expert operator EXO from the corresponding schedule table SCH. Alternatively, the result of the method of the invention may be that no expert operator is assigned to a certain imaging process IMP (due to unavailability of the required expertise or due to the insight that remote expertise is not needed).

[0115] The further method steps S6 to S9 are optional.

[0116] In step S6, data about at least one local operator LOO (preferably more than one local operator LOO) located at a medical facility of the corresponding imaging modality 21, 22, 31, 32 is obtained. Step S6 can also include sending a request notification for requesting data about the local operator LOO to the processing unit 23, 33, the local operator database 25, 35, respectively, and receiving data about the local operator LOO from the processing unit 23, 33, the local operator database 25, 35. The data about the local operator LOO can include identification data, availability data, technical knowledge data. These data can be provided by the database 25, 35 after an internal request and can be sent to the computing unit 10 via the interface 231, 331.

[0117] Therefore, step S6 may also comprise requesting data from at least one database 25, 35. Alternatively, the data is sent to the computing unit 10 on a push basis, for example automatically after implementing or modifying an entry in a database 25, 35, and is at least temporarily stored in the storage unit 15 of the computing unit.

[0118] In step S7, the data about the medical imaging process IMP is matched with the data about the local operator LOO. Here, the matching unit 12 of the computing unit associates the data items about the imaging process IMP with the data items about the local operator LOO to determine the compliance measure of each combination or pair of the local operator LOO and the imaging process IMP. For the matching step, not all data items provided to the matching unit 12 need to be considered. Instead, the data items about the local operator LOO and the preset categories or classifications of the medical imaging process IMP are predefined to be associated with each other. For example, the availability data item of the local operator LOO is associated with the preset time requirement item of the imaging process IMP. If the preset time of the imaging process IMP is within the working time of the local operator LOO, the first compliance measure element is determined. In addition, the data items related to the local operator LOO can, for example, correspond to the experience in tumors. Therefore, the data items related to the imaging process indicating that the patient to be imaged suffers from cancer as a prior diagnosis can be associated with the data items related to the local operator that proves that there is a high level of experience in oncology, and another compliance measure element is determined. As with the expert operator EXO matching, for a local operator-imaging process pair, the total number of associated data items is not limited and depends on the number of available data items that are related to or applicable to the same data category and can therefore be associated. Therefore, the compliance measure may include multiple individual elements that all together explain the overall degree of compliance. There may be a compliance measure element that, when below a predetermined threshold, prohibits the assignment of a local operator LOO to an imaging process IMP regardless of the other determined compliance measure elements.

[0119] In step S8, the local operator LOO is assigned to at least one medical imaging procedure IMP based on the match. This step comprises identifying the local operator LOO having the highest compliance measure for a particular imaging procedure IMP from the group of local operators LOO under consideration. The identification may be based on: evaluating the total number of compliance measure elements and / or the individual compliance determined for each element. Steps S4 and S8 may also respectively comprise an evaluation of the compliance measures of the determined groups of other operators. Thus, assigning an expert operator EXO to an imaging procedure IMP may comprise evaluating the compliance measure of the local expert, and vice versa. In the event of excess technical expertise, the imaging procedure may be performed without the need for either the expert operator EXO or the local operator LOO, and only one operator is assigned, thereby saving valuable working time which may be spent on another imaging procedure.

[0120] The assignment of the local operator LOO to the imaging procedure IMP also comprises the introduction or input of a tag or a local operator LOO label in the scheduling unit 26, 36 of the medical facility 20, 30, wherein the tag is suitable for identifying the assigned local operator LOO. The introduction of the tag can be performed based on a corresponding command notification from the computing unit 10 to the processing unit 23, 33, wherein the command notification comprises data identifying the addressed local operator-imaging procedure pair. Thus, the assignment step comprises adjusting the scheduling table SCH present in the scheduling unit 26, 36.

[0121] In optional step S9, the identification tag for the expert operator EXO participating in the imaging process IMP is filled with data identifying the expert operator. Typically, the generated image data corresponds to the DICOM standard. Currently the generated images will have a DICOM header which does not allow reflecting a distributed setup of two operators (including remote expert operators). Instead, the DICOM standard currently only covers header fields such as "Name of Operator" (0008, 1070) or "Operator Identification Sequence" (0008, 1072), which only tracks one operator. The institution for which the operator works is not currently captured.

[0122] According to step S9, an additional metadata tag or field in the DICOM header can be used to provide a record of the expert operator directly in the image data file. This step corresponds to attaching the assigned expert operator to the generated medical image data. This step supports clear documentation and tracking of the actual operator situation of the imaging process in the generated image data. In a follow-up examination of the same patient, the tag may, for example, be used to directly assign the previously involved expert operator. The tag is beneficial for settings in which the expert operator is not an employee of the medical facility that performs the imaging process on the patient. Therefore, in addition to the expert operator tag, other tags can also be introduced into the DICOM image header, such as "Second / Remote Institution Name" (0008, 0083), "Second / Remote Institution Address" (0008, 0084), "Second / Remote Institution Code Sequence" (0008, 0085).

[0123] In summary, the present invention is based on the insight that technical and / or medical expertise does not need to be present in the scanner environment, but can be provided remotely. By connecting the expert operator to the remote medical facility, the expert operator can still guide the imaging procedure. The expert operator can even be connected to multiple imaging modalities and guide multiple imaging procedures at the same time. Advantageously, expert operators are scheduled in parallel and assigned to more than one imaging procedure, depending on the needs defined by the complexity of the planned imaging procedure. Of course, the local operator capabilities at the medical site are also advantageously taken into account.

[0124] Thus, the arrangement of the present invention provides technical and / or medical expertise as a service based on specific needs.

[0125] The present invention enables an efficient and therefore cost- and time-saving solution for planning and assigning expert operators at at least one remote workplace to preferably one or more imaging procedures at one or more medical sites. This corresponds to a high level of expert resource management, reduces personnel costs and increases services to patients and medical facilities, and optimizes the utilization of equipment and personnel. The rule-based calculation unit of the present invention can be inserted into existing hospital or radiology scheduling systems as an additional / plug-in software module / hardware module, or as a software / hardware extension to a modality and patient planning solution. Preferably, the rule-based matching and assignment steps can be manually configured, for example to further optimize modality utilization.

[0126] Some rules that can also be connected are provided as examples:

[0127] If the IMP data item is: MR Cardiac Examination >> Assign only Local Operator 3 (because the Local Operator 3 data item is: High Level Cardiac Examination Experience),

[0128] If the IMP data item is: MR Tumor Examination >> Assign Expert Operator 1 (because the Expert Operator 1 data item is: High Level Tumor Examination Experience),

[0129] If the IMP data item is: CT Examination >> Assign Local Operator 1 (for educational purposes of new operators, as Local Operator 1 data item is: High Level CT Examination Expertise),

[0130] If the IMP data item is: MR examination and the local operator data item is: low MR examination experience >> assign expert operator 4 (because the expert operator 4 data item is: high level MR examination expertise),

[0131] If the IMP data item is: MR oncology examination planned for MR scanner 1 >> assign expert operator 2 (because the expert operator 2 data item is: high level of oncology examination experience), and the IMP data item for the next MR oncology imaging procedure is set to a new, later time point including a delay of n minutes (because MR oncology examinations are usually complex and therefore time consuming),

[0132] If the IMP data item is CT Exam and Trauma >> Assign Expert Operator 5 (because the Expert Operator 5 data item is: CT Expertise on Demand).

[0133] The arrangement of the present invention increases the utilization of modalities and personnel and thereby increases the examination throughput with fewer resources and accelerates the amortization of the medical device.

[0134] As long as it makes sense, the various embodiments or their various aspects and features can be combined or exchanged with each other without limiting or expanding the scope of the present invention. Where applicable, the advantages described with respect to one embodiment of the present invention are also beneficial to other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for performing at least one medical imaging procedure (IMP) using an imaging modality (21, 22, 31, 32), wherein: The said Imaging Medical Procedure (IMP) is performed under remote supervision, The method comprises: Acquiring data about a medical imaging procedure to be performed using a computing unit (S1), acquiring data (S2) about at least one expert operator (EXO) located at a workplace (50, 60) remote from the imaging modality using the computing unit, matching the data about the medical imaging process with the data about the at least one expert operator using the computing unit (S3), Based on the matching, at least one expert operator (EXO) is assigned to the medical imaging process (IMP) by means of the computing unit (S4), providing a communication channel (COC) between the imaging modality and the remote workplace (S5); acquiring, with the computing unit, data about at least one local operator (LOO) located at the site of the imaging modality (S6), matching the data about the medical imaging procedure with the data about the at least one local operator (S7), and assigning the at least one local operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching (S8), wherein the communication channel enables the assigned at least one expert operator to remotely perform the medical imaging procedure, and Wherein, the step of matching data regarding the medical imaging process and the local operator also includes matching data regarding the at least one expert operator with data regarding the local operator to ensure a predetermined degree of compliance between the expert operator to be assigned to the medical imaging process and the local operator.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Providing the communication channel includes notifying the imaging modality of the assigned expert operator using the computing unit.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The expert operator is assigned to more than one imaging procedure simultaneously, and a communication channel is provided between the remote site and each corresponding imaging modality.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The data about the at least one expert operator comprises at least one of the following group of data: Identification data, Availability data, Expert knowledge data.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The data regarding the at least one medical imaging procedure comprises at least one of the following group of data: Data related to patients, Data about the corresponding imaging modality, Data about the body region or organ of interest, Initial suspicion data, Current medical condition data, Data regarding the timing of the imaging process.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The data about the at least one local operator comprises at least one of the following group of data: Identification data, Availability data, Expert knowledge data.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication channel between the imaging modality and the remote site enables remote setting of imaging parameters at the imaging modality by the expert operator and / or verbal and / or written communications via the imaging modality and the remote site.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The assignment of the expert operator is attached to the medical image data generated using the imaging procedure (S9).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Any of the steps of obtaining data includes requesting data from at least one database (24, 34, 26, 36, 25, 35, 52, 62).

10. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The one or more imaging procedures are performed at at least two different medical sites (20, 30).

11. A system (1) for performing at least one medical imaging procedure (IMP) using an imaging modality (21, 22, 31, 32), wherein: The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision, and the system comprises: at least one imaging modality (21, 22, 31, 32), at least one working place (50, 60) remote from the imaging modality, A computing unit (10), the computing unit (10) being configured to: obtaining data about the medical imaging procedure to be performed, acquiring data about at least one expert operator (EXO) located at a workplace remote from said imaging modality, matching data about the medical imaging procedure with data about the at least one expert operator, at least one expert operator is assigned to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching, wherein the imaging modality and the remote workplace are further configured to provide a communication channel (COC) between each other, acquiring data regarding at least one local operator (LOO) located at a site of said imaging modality, matching data about the medical imaging procedure with data about the at least one local operator, and assigning the at least one local operator to the medical imaging procedure based on the matching, wherein the communication channel enables the assigned at least one expert operator to remotely perform the medical imaging procedure, and Wherein, the step of matching data regarding the medical imaging process and the local operator also includes matching data regarding the at least one expert operator with data regarding the local operator to ensure a predetermined degree of compliance between the expert operator to be assigned to the medical imaging process and the local operator.

12. A computer program product comprising program elements which, when loaded into a memory (15) of a computing unit (10) of a system (1), direct the computing unit to perform at least one medical imaging procedure (IMP) using an imaging modality (21, 22, 31, 32) to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

13. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon program elements which can be read and executed by a computing unit (10) of a system (1) for performing at least one medical imaging procedure (IMP) using an imaging modality (21, 22, 31, 32), so that when the program elements are executed by the computing unit, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are performed, wherein The medical imaging procedure is performed under remote supervision.

Images