Development of International Medical Teleconference System Using Advanced Research Network and Digital Video Transport System(DVTS)

Kim, Young Woo; Kang, Chul Hee; Youm, Sung Kwan; Shimizu, Shuji; Nakashima, Naoki; Noshiro, Hirokazu; Yi, Young Suk; You, Bong Soo; Sung, Doo Hyun; Jeong, Seung Yong; Chung, Ki Wook; Baik, Yong Hae; Lee, Woo Jin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to develop telesurgical conference system by establishing a gigabit broad-banded network between hospitals in Korea and Japan using Digital Video Transport System(DVTS) on internet protocol, and to audit performance of this system through questionnaire study.
METHODS
The Korea Advanced Research Network(Korean side), the Fukuoka Gigabit Highway(Japanese side), and the Korea-Japan Cable Network(international line)were used for assuring a high speed network connectivity. DVTS streaming was propagated with 30 M bps bandwidth for two channels on IPv4 network. Network security was built with virtual private network solution to guarantee protecting patient's privacy. Technological performance and satisfaction of users were evaluated following the events.
RESULTS
The teleconference sessions and live surgery transmission with DVTS on internet protocol using advanced research network were performed successfully. Bandwidth of 60 Mbps for two-line transmission was maintained throughout the conference. The quality of the transmitted pictures had no frame loss with the rate of 30 frames per second. The sound was also clear and the time delay was less than 0.3 sec. Effectiveness of telesurgical conference using advanced network was felt beneficial for 94% of the attendants in questionnaire study.
CONCLUSION
Establishing an international telesurgical conference system with high quality digital video transmission over internet protocol using international gigabit network was performed successfully. With the improvement of network engineering, this system is expected to contribute penetration of medical skills and knowledge through network infrastructure.