Rajgopal Kv MBBS, MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Katrina M. Read MS, Abstract Co-Author: Employee, Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV

Manjunatha. Maiya, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

V. R. K. Rao MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Automatic post processing using dedicated server would increase the workflow and throughput of a busy imaging department.

In a busy CT imaging center, nearly half of the time spent by the technician is for post processing of the images. The automatic post processing can improve the workflow and thus allowing the technician to concentrate more on patient study. This has huge implications in a large hospital with many post processing techniques performed each day.

This study was performed in a tertiary 1900 bedded hospital. The baseline work flow data of CT angiography with respect to protocol selection, techniques and the time taken for manual post processing were obtained. CT angiography (CTA) of the brain, abdomen and peripheral arteries were performed using 64 slice Phillips brilliance scanner and the post processing were performed with Phillips EBW work station. The dedicated server was designed by Phillips which has capability to perform automatic post processing. Once the predetermined CTA protocol is selected, the server could acquire the data and perform entire post processing and the results were automatically sent back to EBW. The results were read by senior radiologist with 15 year experience in vascular imaging. The logs were obtained with respect to the time taken for reading the results and the Redo reasons, if any, which required additional post processing. The trial was performed in 2 phases. The shortcomings during the 1st trial were set right and the 2nd phase was performed. Comparison of the baseline data and trial data was performed.

The protocols and post processing results obtained with dedicated server were uniform and acceptable to radiologists and clinicians. In the 1st phase of trial (34 CTA studies), there were issues like improper window levels of MIP and VR image, wrong labeling of vessels etc, which were subsequently corrected and 2nd phase study (60 CTA studies) was performed. Compared to the baseline data, there was significant time saving with automated post processing using a dedicated server: 15-16 min for abdomen and brain CTA and 23 min for peripheral CTA.

Kv, R, Read, K, Maiya, M, Rao, V, Standardized Results of CT Angiography Obtained with Automated Postprocessing Using a Dedicated Server: A Workflow Optimization Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11015783.html