New medical technologies of the future

Over the last fifteen years OP 2000 has implemented various satellite-based networks for telemedicine (GALENOS, DELTASS, MEDASHIP, EMISPHER) using the high-end interactive video communication system WinVicos for telemedical applications like teleconsultation and second opinion at a moderate transmission bandwidth of 0.5-1 Mbps. This use of modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as enabling tools for healthcare services (eHealth) has introduced new ways of creating ubiquitous access to high-level medical care for all, anytime and anywhere (uHealth). A virtual combination of applications serves as the basic concept for the development of a Virtual Hospital (VH). Analysis of the demands of the different user groups in (tele)medical collaboration has shown the need for real integration of the various technology platforms and medical services supporting the creation of ubiquitous virtual organisations for healthcare. OP 2000 has applied trend-setting technologies (high-resolution (HD) and stereoscopic visualisation; interactive real-time video communication with remote control of medical devices; virtual reality simulations with tracked visualisation and haptic feedback; optimised user interfaces, etc.) especially for surgical peri-operative research. The medical workplace 2020 represents a high-tech system configuration linking application-specific modules providing the users with all required information at the right time and place and most important in optimally processed form.