HMP Research Station Telemedicine Report Provided by Dr. Jeff Jones, NASA Johnson Space Center, July 27, 2005 Related Link: Telemedicine Photo Report Yesterday we conducted a demonstration of a NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) - Wyle Laboratories developed methodology of remote ultrasound guidance for diagnostic imaging, here at the HMP Research Station. Participants were Dr. Ashot Sargsyan and Shannon Melton Wyle Labs, Dr. Jeff Jones, NASA Johnson Space Center and Dr. Mona Khanna CBS-Dallas, TX, and Sophie Caro, a Mars Institute geology student intern from the University of Paris. The event was supported by telecommunications specialists Dr. Stephen Braham and Christine Pires from Simon Fraser University. A medical case simulation was conducted, with the affected patient being given the non-specific signs and symptoms of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The patient's history of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trauma and possible pregnancy, made the differential diagnosis quite extensive, and produced the need for imaging assistance in diagnosis more paramount. Complicating the scenario was very bad weather, an anxious patient, and an agitated project manager, who was worried about the lack of revenue to support a dedicated medical evacuation flight; all of which made a strong impetus to determine if the condition could be managed on the island. In other words, we needed the ultrasound imaging device to rule out a serious condition that would require medical evacuation. Two way audio and video was established between the HMP Research Station and the medical mission control simulation room at Johnson Space Center via satellite link at peak 300 kb/sec. The remote guidance ultrasonographer directed HMP Research Station ultrasound operators Jeff Jones and Mona Khanna through an abdominal and pelvic imaging session, which effectively ruled out the conditions: cholecystitis, appendicitis with intraperitoneal rupture, splenic and liver laceration, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, kidney stone producing urinary blockage, and ovarian abscess. Therefore the ultrasound images transferred electronically to JSC via real-time remote guidance allowed us to determine that the medical condition did not require evacuation. Serial additional medical examinations of the simulated patient will determine if follow-up imaging is required, based on the progression of her signs and symptoms. Dr. Sargsyan was also sent some store and forward images for his review and comment. His initial assessment was that although there was some image degradation in the transport from Devon Island to Houston, the images were of sufficient quality to allow diagnostic interpretation. This strategy is one we have prepared to support diagnostic ultrasound on-board the International Space Station, and one we will continue to refine and validate to support Lunar Exploration, once a lunar habitat has been established.