A Pen-based Interface for Generating Graphical Reports of Findings in Cardiac Catheterization

Summary Objectives : This paper introduces a pen-based interface for the graphical reporting of findings in cardiac catheterization. Methods : The user can interactively draw, erase, move, and deform coronary arteries as well as record stenoses on them. The location and degree of each stenosis is represented visually and the doctor can record various treatments such as bypasses and stents on the diagram. In addition, the system automatically extracts semantic information from the graphical representation and stores it in XML format. The system can also generate a table in the format specified by the American Heart Association. Results : Our current implementation is a research prototype and is not yet being used in clinical practice. However, we have already demonstrated it to medical professionals and confirmed the following benefits. Conclusions : This system is useful not only as a tool for efficiently generating reports of findings but also as an effective explanation tool for patients.