Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pathology
Open Access

Abstract

Using digital pathology, we made several trials of international WSI (Whole Slide Imaging) telepathology consultation with eastern Asian countries. In eastern Asia, there is big difference of infrastructures between countries. This work is supported by Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. We set up a consortium with Hamamatsu photonics for WSI scanner, Sakura Finetek for pathology equipment, Toshiba Medical Systems for radiological images and Panasonic System Solutions for Network and TV conference system. We mainly tried real time online teleconference using WSI images. In particular, we prepared interesting cases prior the teleconference, scan to WSI and stored in the server. Attended pathologists observed these WSIs before the teleconference, make diagnosis and leave the diagnosis document to the server. One of our members visited to their hospitals and he moderate the teleconference. Discussion through teleconference system was made in English. The WSI images maintained adequate quality for pathology diagnosis even looked from abroad. The diagnoses matched well between hospitals. The response of WSI viewer depended on the web speed. Infrastructure including Web speed was differed between countries. When we shared band width to the teleconference system or radiological images sent in the background, the response deteriorates and was not good enough for diagnosis. It was confirmed that there is no problem in international remote diagnosis using WSI. The international WSI telepathology diagnosis is now in a stage of practical use. Remaining issues are language, quality of glass slides, difference in diagnosis criteria, economical and responsibility issues, etc. Finally, based on these experiments, we came to agreement with Vietnamese Government and decide to open a multiphasic health check facility in Ho-Chi-Minh city, Vietnam.

Biography

Ichiro Mori has completed his PhD from Gunma University and Postdoctoral studies from Tokai University School of Medicine. He is a Professor of Pathology, Mita Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.

Email: ichiro_mori@hotmail.com