Minimally Invasive Postmortem Telebiopsy

• NCJ Number: 240856
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 528-530
• Author(s): Lars C. Ebert, Ph.D.; Wolfang Ptacek, Dipl.-Ing.; Martin Furst, Dipll.-Ing.; Steffen Ross, M.D.; Michael J. Thali, M.D.; Gary Hatch, M.D.
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this article, the authors describe the development of a low-cost, secure, and reliable approach for a telematic add-on for remotely planning biopsies on the Virtobot robotic system.

Abstract

For the past 10 years, medical imaging techniques have been increasingly applied to forensic investigations. To obtain histological and toxicological information, tissue and liquid samples are required. In this article, we describe the development of a low-cost, secure, and reliable approach for a telematic add-on for remotely planning biopsies on the Virtobot robotic system. Data sets are encrypted and submitted over the Internet. A plugin for the OsiriX medical image viewer allows for remote planning of needle trajectories that are used for needle placement. The application of teleradiological methods to image-guided biopsy in the forensic setting has the potential to reduce costs and, in conjunction with a mobile computer tomographic scanner, allows for tissue sampling in a mass casualty situation involving nuclear, biological, or chemical agents, in a manner that minimizes the risk to involved staff. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.