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Methods Inf Med 1969; 08(03): 120-127
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1635972
Original article
Schattauer GmbH

Biotelemetry and Computer Analysis of Electrocardiograms[*]

Biotelemetrie und Computer-Analyse Von Elektrokardiogrammen
P. R. Amlinger
1   From the Medical Center Computer Program, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia/Mo
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Publication Date:
10 February 2018 (online)

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Routine transmission of electrocardiograms and their computer interpretation via long-distance telephone lines has been proven feasible in the Automated Electrocardiogram Project of the Missouri Regional Medical Program. Though this Pilot Project — the first on a state-wide basis — is still viewed as an applied research effort rather than a service, such biotelemetry is rapidly gaining acceptance as a medium to bring modern medicine, through modern technology, to urban and remote rural areas as well, where it is most needed.

The computer executes all the wave measuraments and calculations with incredible speed. It takes over a most boring, repetitive part of the physician’s work. However, it can only follow the instructions of the diagnostic program, compiled by expert cardiologists. Thus, it is an ever-ready, never-tiring servant for the physician and his patients.

Das Computor-EKG-Projekt der Universität von Missouri hat den Beweis für die Möglichkeit der routinemäßigen Übertragung von Elektrokardiogrammen und deren Computer-Analyse über normale Fernsprechleitungen erbracht. Dieses Modell-Projekt — das erste, das das Territorium eines ganzen Staates erfaßt — wird bisher noch nicht als ein Dienstleistungssystem, sondern als ein Projekt der angewandten Forschung angesehen. Trotzdem findet diese Art der Biotelemetrie wachsende Anerkennung und Anwendung als ein Medium, um moderne Medizin mit den Mitteln der modernen Technik sowohl in städtische als auch in einsame ländliche Gegenden zu bringen, wo sie am dringendsten benötigt wird.

Der Computer führt alle Messungen der Herzwellen und Berechnungen mit unglaublicher Geschwindigkeit aus. Er erspart dem Arzt den Teil seiner Arbeit, der durch Routine und Monotonie gekennzeichnet ist. Aber, die Maschine kann nur den Instruktionen des diagnostischen Programmes folgen, das von Kardiologen zusammengestellt wurde. Für den Arzt in der Praxis und seine Patienten ist der Computer ein stets bereiter, nie ermüdender Diener und Berater.

*) This research is part of the Automated Electrocardiogram Project of the Missouri Regional Medical Program. Findings and conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Public Health Service.


 

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