Cardio-PACS: A new opportunity

It is now possible to replace film-based image management in the cardiac catheterization laboratory with a Cardiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (Cardio-PACS) based on digital imaging technology. The first step in the conversion process is installation of a digital image acquisition system that is capable of generating high-quality DICOM-compatible images. The next three steps, which are the subject of this presentation, involve image display, distribution, and storage. Clinical requirements and associated cost considerations for these three steps are listed below: Image display: 1. Image quality equal to film, with DICOM format, lossless compression, image processing, desktop PC-based with color monitor, and physician-friendly imaging software; 2. Performance specifications include: acquire 30 frames/sec; replay 15 frames/sec; access to file server 5 seconds, and to archive 5 minutes; 3. Compatibility of image file, transmission, and processing formats; 4. Image manipulation: brightness, contrast, gray scale, zoom, biplane display, and quantification; 5. User-friendly control of image review. Image distribution: 1. Standard IP-based network between cardiac catheterization laboratories, file server, long-term archive, review stations, and remote sites; 2. Non-proprietary formats; 3. Bidirectional distribution. Image storage: 1. CD-ROM vs disk vs tape; 2. Verification of data integrity; 3. User-designated storage capacity for catheterization laboratory, file server, long-term archive. Costs: 1. Image acquisition equipment, file server, long-term archive; 2. Network infrastructure; 3. Review stations and software; 4. Maintenance and administration; 5. Future upgrades and expansion; 6. Personnel.