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Press, 6 November 1984, Page 27

Brain scanner pictures, sonic images and X-rays vital to the diagnosis of injuries can now be studied by medical specialists miles away from the patient, using a new development based on the public telephone network. Designed by British Telecom, the new imaging system uses a slow scan television technique to transmit detailed pictures through the telephone sys-

tem to domestic television screens. Two microprocessors, one linked to the source and one to the receiving television, encode and decode the signal which can be transmitted as a single image or divided into four pictures allowing the doctor to see the patient, the brain scan and other information as necessary. The system also allows doctors to get an instant second opinion in cases where it

would be dangerous to move the patient. A senior neurosurgeon, Mr Huw Griffiths (pictured), is discussing a brain scan being transmitted from Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, South-West England, where the prototype system is being tested in a Link with the homes of individual specialists and two other hospitals.