Improving Telepathology

SLU ID 19-017 | Digital telepathology and virtual control of the microscope

Background

Patient care often relies on rapid and accurate diagnosis in the pathology laboratory. In critical situations, the time to diagnosis and its accuracy can literally be life-saving. Often, these diagnoses are made by a pathologist using a microscope to analyze biological material (cells or tissue) on a glass slide, which is subject to human error. The accuracy of the diagnosis depends on the experience of the on-call pathologist, who often covers a broad range of sub-specialties. Telepathology is the practice of digitizing histological images for transmission along telecommunication pathways for diagnosis, consultation, or continuing medical education. This technology allows the digital transmission of microscopic images to teams of pathologists regardless of location and has the potential to revolutionize the practice of pathology and medicine. However, existing telepathology solutions are limited to non-interactive and unprocessed image transfers and often rely on standard Internet connections.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have conceived a telephathology system that uses real-time intervention of both remote expert pathologists and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. They have developed a prototype system that addresses many of the limitations of current telepathology systems.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing the quality of pathology assessments

• Minimizing the time required to perform pathology assessments

• Increasing access to diagnostic expertise

• Minimizing inaccurate diagnoses during intra-operative consultations

• Minimizing resources required for pathology assessments

• Minimizing malpractice risks

• Minimizing security risks for telepathology systems

• Minimizing privacy risks for telepathology systems

• Increasing medical professional education

Applications

Potential applications of this technology include:

• Performing pathology assessments

• Training medical professionals

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.