Usecases

Use of a drone with defibrillator over short and medium distances in cardiovascular emergencies outside a clinic

This use case is dedicated to developing and exploring the integration of drones within a 5G network. The drones will be capable of delivering automated external defibrillators, designed for use in rural areas of Rottal-Inn district, Bavaria, where an emergency car might take some time to arrive at the patient’s place. The initiative, enhanced by 5G technology and a partnership with Rottal-Inn Kliniken Pfarrkirchen and Bayerisches Rotes Kreuz (BRK), focuses on testing the drone's efficiency and usability in emergency medical response scenarios. In addition, a software for the detection of cardiac abnormalities through vital signs obtained by smartwatches, is intended to be incorporated into the system.

Supporting nursing staff with the help of AR in wound management

This use case aims to evaluate the use of Augmented Reality (AR) / smart glasses by nursing staff for assessing chronic wounds from patients in remote areas. Using this technology enhances communication with wound managers and physicians, improving nurses' assessment skills, providing timely information, and enabling hands-free operations to reduce infection risks. These glasses, equipped with cameras and sensors, capture, and transmit wound images directly to patients' medical records via a mobile app, using high-speed and low-latency 5G technology for real-time data transfer. Additionally, the collected image data will be used to train machine learning algorithms for more automated and accurate wound assessments under physician supervision.

Tracking medical devices within medical facilities

Education and training of medical personnel with the help of VR and AR glasses

Linking rescue services in emergency cars and clinics as part of rescue operations

This use case involves the integration of portable ultrasound devices with a 5G network to enhance coordination between rescue services and clinics during emergency transport of patients. We seek to employ Virtual Reality (VR) in training healthcare providers how to use ultrasound (US) technology in general and in emergency situations. This telemedical approach aims to reduce delays in receiving timely and suitable medical care, enhanced decision making with the exchange of information, images, and video, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Transfer of histopathological whole slide images (WSI) for remote consultations

This use case utilizes two telepathology methods: the first uses a standard microscope with a camera to capture and transmit images for remote analysis by pathologists, integrating video conferencing and electronic health records. The second method employs a whole slide scanner to digitize slides (WSI) for remote viewing, offering increased accuracy and productivity. This technology is particularly beneficial for patients in remote areas who need timely and accurate diagnoses and is also used for training students. When transferring WSI images, especially during surgery, a large amount of data must be transferred within short time. High-speed, low-latency 5G technology is therefore required for real-time data transmission.

Additionally, the use case is exploring the use of virtual reality glasses (VR) to generate 3D views of specimens, enhancing diagnostic precision, and combining this with a drone delivery system for physical slide transport where necessary. This advanced approach allows pathologists and medical professionals to collaboratively examine and manipulate detailed 3D representations of tissue samples in real-time, despite geographical separations.