Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Medical School (RWJMS have received the MELODY™ robotic tele-cardiac ultrasound technology in the U.S. for clinical use.
The technology opens the door for patients to have more access to expert diagnostic imaging in a convenient, telehealth delivery model. The MELODY™ robotic tele-ultrasound system features a robotic arm, an ultrasound machine, and video conferencing technology able to connect the patient with an expert at two separate locations. Experts in France have connected the system to the RWJUH and RWJMS cardiovascular team.
The system being successfully used in Europe and Canada and approved for clinical use in the U.S by FDA, helps by:
- Providing improved access to diagnostic ultrasound imaging expertise in real-time
- Facilitating earlier disease detection
- Provides for reduced travel times and transport costs
Provides benefits to healthcare professionals such as:
- Reduces work-related injuries from overuse and repetitive movements when using manual ultrasound imaging delivery
- Addresses the chronic shortage of ultrasound technologists and sonographers in health care nationwide
- Reduces exposure to providers to infectious diseases such as COVID or influenza or to radiation when the study is performed in a catheterization laboratory
The first MELODY™ robot is now located at RWJUH but experts envision the day when this technology is commonplace in rural community hospitals, pharmacies, rehabilitation facilities or perhaps at senior living locations.
According to Partho Sengupta, MD, Professor of Cardiology and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at WJMS and Chief of Cardiology at RWJUH, “Advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities available to patients in remote locations may prove to be a gamechanger in the fight against cardiovascular disease and reduce the impact of healthcare deserts emerging in small towns due to staff shortages.”
Go to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) at https://rwjbh.org/rwj-university-hospital-new-brunswich and to the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) at https://rwjms.rutgers.edu for more information.