Second Opinion Telepathology on Frozen Sections as Part of Daily Routine in a University Institute

The University Hospital Charité consists of three campuses located in different parts of Berlin. We utilize dynamic-robotic telepathology to solve the problem of a fast second opinion for frozen section diagnostic purposes. On the basis of an ATM network, we installed ATM based videoconferencing for the transfer of life video images and sound. Remote microscope control is based on a separate communication channel using Internet/LAN, Timbuktu application sharing, and firmware of the microscopes. Within two trials we checked the ATM telepathology solution for a second opinion and on tele-diagnosis on routine frozen sections. Image quality was found sufficient for second opinion and tele-diagnosis. The time, which was necessary for a second opinion, ranged between 1 and 10 minutes. The total time period of a tele-diagnosis was measured between 5 and 20 minutes.