Technical considerations and tips for using the Tegus remote proctoring system in elective and emergency cases and in webinars

Abstract

Smart angiography suites (SAS) refer to the incorporation of audio-video technology and internet connectivity into the angiography suite to enable bidirectional communication for teleproctoring. Remote streaming support (RESS) is intended to increase patient safety by supporting interventionalists with limited experience or who are practicing in geographically remote areas. The aim of this review is to describe real-life experience of the Tegus system and to share practical tips concerning its use and setup. We describe the platform itself, settings and integration in our angiography suite. We provide technical tips intended to help new and potential users to achieve an optimal experience for both neurointerventionalists and proctors. We describe both elective cases that we have performed with teleproctoring and emergencies. Lastly, we describe a different room setup and software solutions used in live workshops. Use of teleproctoring enabled involvement of proctors in cases where an already experienced interventionalist needed support in the decision-making process concerning the sizing and deployment of devices with which he was familiar only on a basic level. Excellent video feed quality and instant communication enabled optimal preparation and in vivo implantation of those devices without the need for physical proctors’ presence. In emergency cases the system allowed a senior physician to offer support during cases where optimal device sizing is critical. Our usage concept of the rig permitted monitoring of thrombectomy cases by junior physicians. During webinars a remote streaming platform enabled us to conduct workshops that simulated an “on-site” experience as closely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.