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Biomedical subjects

J Thrall

Publications and source records attributed to J Thrall.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Can radiologic images be incorporated into the electronic patient record?

As radiology makes advances toward filmlessness, all of medicine is headed, just as rapidly, toward paperless transmission of patient information. While there are obvious advantages to this electronic approach, and several standards to conform to for the transmission of textual (Health Level 7 [HL-7]) and image (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine [DICOM]) data, it is the integration of these two data sets that is clinically essential and yet poorly defined. This report defines an approach for, and the successful implementation of, the integration of radiologic image data with textual data contained within the electronic patient record (EPR) through the use of standard internet protocols. Incorporation of medical images in the EPR has proven to be critical to the successful deployment of picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) and the reduction of film consumption at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Since the installation of the first internet-based Image Data Repository (IDR) at MGH in 1995, the system has adequately served to meet the needs of clinical requests by both radiology-only browser users and users of the EPR. It has drastically reduced the need for film and provided concurrent display of images and text throughout the institution and beyond.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1999

Enhancing availability of the electronic image record for patients and caregivers during follow-up care.

PURPOSE: To develop a personal computer (PC)-based software package that allows portability of the electronic imaging record. To create custom software that enhances the transfer of images in two fashions. Firstly, to an end user, whether physician or patient, provide a browser capable of viewing digital images on a conventional personal computer. Second, to provide the ability to transfer the archived Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images to other institutional picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) through a transfer engine. METHOD/MATERIALS: Radiologic studies are provided on a CD-ROM. This CD-ROM contains a copy of the browser to view images, a DICOM-based engine to transfer images to the receiving institutional PACS, and copies of all pertinent imaging studies for the particular patient. The host computer system in an Intel based Pentium 90 MHz PC with Microsoft Windows 95 software (Microsoft Inc, Seattle, WA). The system has 48 MB of random access memory, a 3.0 GB hard disk, and a Smart and Friendly CD-R 2006 CD-ROM recorder (Smart and Friendly Inc, Chatsworth, CA). RESULTS: Each CD-ROM disc can hold 640 MB of data. In our experience, this houses anywhere from, based on Table 1, 12 to 30 computed tomography (CT) examinations, 24 to 80 magnetic resonance (MR) examinations, 60 to 128 ultrasound examinations, 32 to 64 computed radiographic examinations, 80 digitized x-rays, or five digitized mammography examinations. We have been able to successfully transfer DICOM images from one DICOM-based PACS to another DICOM-based PACS. This is accomplished by inserting the created CD-ROM onto a CD drive attached to the receiving PACS and running the transfer engine application. CONCLUSIONS: Providing copies of radiologic studies performed to the patient is a necessity in every radiology department. Conventionally, film libraries have provided copies to the patient generating issues of cost of loss of film, as well as mailing costs. This software package saves costs and loss of studies, as well as improving patient care by enabling the patient to maintain an archive of their electronic imaging record.

CD-ROM↗
PubMed1998

Filmless medical imaging: experiences of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

As the concept of picture archival communication systems (PACS) gathers momentum, the vision of a filmless digital department and digital image management has become a reality. This report will discuss the experiences of a major health-care institution with implementation of a large-scale PACS. Specifically, we discuss success with a modular, nonproprietary, multivendor solution that offers flexibility and state of the art functionality at our institution.

Hospitals, General↗
PubMed1993

Teleradiology: meeting the challenge of the '90s.

Despite spectacular scientific advance and contributions to patient care, radiology stands at a frightening crossroads in its 100-year history. Economic and political changes endanger the fundamental principles of patient care, research, and teaching and threaten to dismantle the subspecialized expertise that characterizes our great academic medical institutions. In response, we should be creative and find new ways to exploit this expertise in an effort to maintain clinical and research excellence. Teleradiology can be used to improve the quality and decrease the cost of medical care at home and abroad--meeting the challenge of the 1990's. Teleradiology and other telemedical applications can benefit from the nation's investment in telecommunications infrastructure. The enabling technologies to provide teleradiology services are available and the feasibility of performing primary interpretations has been established. We offer our experience and plans as a model for diversifying and strengthening the academic radiology department of the future.

Boston↗
PubMed1993

Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy in the PIOPED study. Part I. Data collection and tabulation.

The Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) study of more than 700 patients is the largest existing study of the accuracy of lung scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. Perfusion scans were obtained in all patients and ventilation scans in almost all, using standardized techniques. Chest radiographs were obtained in all patients within 12 hr of the lung scan. Most patients underwent pulmonary arteriography. The images were interpreted according to a set of interpretive criteria which remained constant throughout the trial. A standardized, detailed description of each image set was derived by consensus of teams of two readers blinded to clinical and arteriographic findings. This communication reports the methods used to describe and categorize the ventilation-perfusion scintigrams obtained in patients who were enrolled in the PIOPED study. Scintigraphic technique is reviewed briefly, probability assessment is described and the scan description is reviewed in detail. The form used to describe the findings on ventilation-perfusion scans is reproduced. Use of this standardized description permits retrospective evaluation of the PIOPED interpretive criteria. In addition, it represents a rigorous approach to scan analysis which could facilitate application of formal interpretive schemes and enhance the reproducibility of lung scan interpretations in the clinical setting.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1993

Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy in the PIOPED study. Part II. Evaluation of the scintigraphic criteria and interpretations.

This article presents an evaluation of the criteria used for categorical interpretation of the ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scans performed in the PIOPED study. In addition, the correlation of percent probability estimates with the actual frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) is presented. Cases which met the PIOPED criteria for various diagnostic categories were selected by computerized search of the detailed scan descriptions that had been done as part of the study. The process by which the scans were described was detailed in Part I of this report. Most of the criteria appropriately categorized V/Q scans which satisfied them. However, we recommend that three criteria should be reconsidered: 1. A single moderate perfusion defect is appropriately categorized as intermediate, rather than as low probability. 2. Extensive matched V/Q abnormalities are appropriate for low probability, provided that the chest radiograph is clear. On the other hand, single-matched defects may be better categorized as intermediate probability. Although due to the small number of cases with this finding, no definite, statistically founded recommendation can be made. 3. Two segmental mismatches may not be the optimum threshold for high probability, and in some cases should be considered for intermediate probability. However, due to the small number of cases with this finding, no definite, statistically founded recommendation can be made. We suggest that the revised criteria resulting from these adjustments should now be used for the interpretation of V/Q scans.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1984

Regional chemotherapy of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver.

Ninety-three patients with biopsy-proven colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver were treated with hepatic arterial infusion of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR). There were 52 men and 41 women (median age, 60 years). Forty-two patients (45%) had failed prior systemic chemotherapy. Catheters were operatively placed and multiple catheters were used if dictated by hepatic arterial anatomy in order to obtain perfusion of the entire liver. The drug was delivered by a totally implanted INFUSAID model 400 pump and patients received cyclic therapy consisting of 2 weeks of 0.3 mg/kg/d FUDR alternating with 2 weeks of saline. Patients with extrahepatic tumor or patients whose hepatic tumor failed to respond to FUDR were given a 30 minute intraarterial infusion of mitomycin C, 15 mg/m2, every 6 to 8 weeks in addition to FUDR. Fifty of the 93 evaluable patients presented with metastatic tumor confined to the liver. Of these 50 patients, 83% demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor size with a median duration of response of 13 months and a median survival of 25 months from diagnosis of liver metastases. Twenty-four of these 50 patients remain alive. Forty-three patients presented with extrahepatic metastases in addition to their liver tumor, and 74% had a response with a median duration of 6 months and a median survival of 14 months. Only six patients of those presenting with extrahepatic tumor remain alive. None of the 93 patients died solely of uncontrolled liver tumor, and only 9 died as a result of uncontrolled liver metastases and disseminated extrahepatic tumor. The duration of survival for both groups was determined by the uncontrolled progression of extrahepatic tumor. In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer involving only the liver, hepatic arterial FUDR alone and with the addition of mitomycin C provided excellent control of hepatic tumor. Survival appeared to be prolonged in this uncontrolled study.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1983

Left ventricular function in patients with ventricular arrhythmias and aortic valve disease.

Forty patients having aortic valve replacement were evaluated preoperatively for ventricular arrhythmia and left ventricular ejection fraction. Arrhythmias were classified as complex or simple using the Lown criteria on the 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram; ejection fractions were determined by radionuclide gated blood pool analysis and contrast angiography. The ejection fractions determined by radionuclide angiography were 59.1 +/- 13.1% for 26 patients with simple or no ventricular arrhythmias, and 43.9 +/- 20.3% for 14 patients with complex ventricular arrhythmias (p less than 0.01). Ejection fractions determined by angiography, available for 31 patients, were also lower in patients with complex ventricular arrhythmias (61.1 +/- 16.3% versus 51.4 +/- 13.4%; p less than 0.05). Seven of 9 patients showing conduction abnormalities on the electrocardiogram had complex ventricular arrhythmias. Eight of 20 patients with aortic stenosis had complex ventricular arrhythmias, while 2 of 13 patients with aortic insufficiency had such arrhythmias. It is concluded that decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, intraventricular conduction abnormalities, and aortic stenosis are associated with an increased frequency of complex ventricular arrhythmias in patients with aortic valve disease.

Aortic Valve↗
PubMed1981

Radionuclide angiography in evaluation of left ventricular function following aortic valve replacement.

Congestive heart failure in patients surviving aortic valve replacement has been associated with a high late mortality. To determine whether myocardial dysfunction in these patients occurred preoperatively, perioperatively, or during the early postoperative period, 19 consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement using cardioplegia and hypothermia were studied by multiple-gated cardiac blood pool imaging. The resting ejection fractions for 8 patients with aortic stenosis did not show significant changes following operation. The 11 patients with aortic insufficiency has resting preoperative values of 58 +/- 15%, which fell to 38 +/- 18% immediately postoperatively (p less than 0.01), with the late values being 51 +/- 16%. Eight of 18 patients (44%) showed deterioration of regional wall motion immediately after operation, which persisted in 3 during the late evaluation. The occurrence of new perioperative regional wall motion abnormalities and persistent perioperative depression in left ventricular function in some patients suggest the need for further improvement in myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass for aortic valve replacement.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Totally implanted drug delivery system for hepatic arterial chemotherapy.

A totally implanted drug delivery system for hepatic arterial chemotherapy was evaluated in 13 patients with metastatic (11 colon and one carcinoid) or primary (one hepatoma) cancer of the liver. During laparotomy, a Silastic catheter was positioned in the hepatic artery for infusion to the entire liver arterial vasculature as ascertained by low-flow radionuclide angiography with 99Tc-macroaggregated albumin. The catheter was connected to a subcutaneously implanted model 400 Infusaid pump (Metal Bellows Corp, Sharon, MA). Each pump had a 50-ml volume and a set rate (3--6 ml/day) and required refill every 8--16 days. A side port bypassed the pumping mechanism and allowed direct catheter injection for nuclide angiography, for bolus drug administration, or for clearing of a blocked catheter. Pump refills and side port injections were performed by percutaneous injection. The 13 patients in this ongoing study received a median of 6 months (range, 4.5--17) of continuous hepatic arterial infusion. The pump performed reliably with stable (+/- 10%) flow rates and only one malfunction in 2800 cumulative days of use. Flow distribution determined by low-flow radionuclide angiography did not change in 12 patients. Patient acceptance was excellent, with the ability to participate fully in normal daily activities. Eleven patients showed partial hepatic tumor regressions documented by physical examination and nuclide liver scans. All patients were treated with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine. Two patients failed 5-fluorodeoxyuridine therapy and subsequently responded briefly to dichloromethotrexate. This implanted system should facilitate future investigation of regional chemotherapy using these and other agents.

Adult↗