An exciting collaboration between two North Carolina based firms, The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and Core Sound Imaging, utilized the latest telemedicine technology to bring cardiovascular ultrasound to rural India.
In late January, ASE sponsored the travel of cardiovascular sonographers to a remote field in India, where an estimated 12 million people gathered for a meditation camp. These sonographers and their Indian physician counterparts used hand-held echocardiography units provided by GE Healthcare in combination with Core Sound Imaging’s web-based ultrasound transmission solution, Studycast®, to provide free cardiac medical services to more than 1,000 pre-screened people.
“In this unique medical mission project, echocardiograms performed over the course of 2 days by a physician-led team of sonographers were uploaded via a secure internet platform and read remotely by expert echocardiographers throughout the world,” said Dr. Patricia A. Pellikka, Echocardiography Laboratory Director at the Mayo Clinic.
“The volunteers were members of the American Society of Echocardiography. In this way, the expertise of the members of the ASE was shared with more than 1000 patients with suspected heart disease who would likely never have had access to echocardiograms. This represents a novel method of conducting a mission trip, as physicians were able to help without leaving their practices. And, sonographers from the U.S., specially trained in acquiring the images, were able to offer the one-on-one patient care that makes this technique so unique.”
The project, called “ASE Global: Focus on India,” elevated the practice of telemedicine to the next level of excellence, taking it out of the lab and to the doorsteps of an underserved population halfway around the world.
The cross-cultural educational project showcased the possibilities offered by breakthroughs in hand-held echocardiography technology and cloud-based transmission, while offering participants a unique opportunity to learn from one another and be part of a humanitarian effort.
About ASE
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is an organization of professionals committed to excellence in cardiovascular ultrasound and its application to patient care through education, advocacy, research, innovation and service to the public. They are heart and circulation ultrasound specialists dedicated to using ultrasound to improve patients’ health and quality of life. The organization was founded in 1975 and is the largest international organization for cardiac imaging.
For more information please visit their website at http://www.asecho.org
About Studycast®
Studycast® is the leader in mobile ultrasound imaging and diagnostic testing. Based out of Raleigh, NC, Studycast® is used across the U.S. and the world.
Learn more about how Studycast® web-based medical imaging solutions can help improve your cardiology practice. Schedule a Demo or call (919) 277-0636!
