Two prototype systems for high-definition (HD) digital recording and storage solutions for the operating room (OR) were shown by San Diego-based Sony Electronics at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) 2010 World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery held in April in Landover, MD.

The work-in-progress HVO-1000MD digital recorder (shown) supports multiple inputs from SD (secure digital) and HD (high definition) devices and multiple signal formats including 1080P to support any video environment. It can also record at three different bit rates. Capable of still and video recording, the unit supports simultaneous recording on the internal hard drive and a Blu-ray disc drive, as well as real-time distribution via a streaming function. The multiformat optical disc drive can accommodate a wide variety of optical disc media. The medical-grade recorder has a compact design, which allows it to integrate well into a cart solution. Built-in drivers for Sony printers and network data transmission capability through FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or CIFS (Common Internet File System) add further user convenience.

The work-in-progress ImageCore HD Archive content management system consists of a dedicated IBM server with content management software and a Webbased content browser allowing users to input, store/archive, and distribute images and video on a secured hospital network. The system enables easy secured access to shared surgical video and documents throughout a hospital network, and when paired with the ImageCore HD Capture system, the technologies can create an enterprise-wide recording and retrieval system.

The ImageCore HD Digital Capture System is a versatile image management system and a vital part of most HD imaging configurations. The medical grade system features a convenient 17-in. touch-screen and is used to capture still and moving images from a full-range of endoscopic camera systems. The system is then able to store the image files in a variety of ways. Doctors can choose to burn a CD/DVD/Blu-ray Disc, attach USB storage device or archive to the hospital’s data network.

“By leveraging Sony’s expertise developed in the broadcast and production industries, we can deliver HD video conferencing, cameras, storage, monitors and printers to help institutions get the most value from the solutions they deploy throughout the hospital,” says Brian Zimmer, senior marketing manager, Sony Medical Systems Division.

One such integrated solution shown at SAGES is the mobile HD imaging cart equipped with ImageCore HD digital capture system, the PCS-XG80 HD videoconferencing system, and LMD-3250MD 32-in. HD LCD monitor. The free-standing and portable cart system enables HD digital capture and display to be easily shared between multiple ORs as well as Internetbased surgical consultation to as many as six locations at one time.

“Our ‘HD on the Go’ cart solution enables facilities to save money by sharing HD equipment between multiple rooms and by avoiding expensive hard wired integration for each room,” says Zimmer. “Furthermore, it offers any healthcare facility, irrespective of size, telemedicine capability by providing surgeons access to experts around the globe from any room in the building.”