The basic idea behind this is that doctors would have the power to control of medical instruments from a distance. One can see the obvious benefits of such a system. This could potentially allow a surgeon to perform a tricky triple bypass from anywhere with proper facilities. Thus saving patients from costly and uncomfortable travel. However, this technology imposes some lofty demands.
Security is of utmost importance as well.
Security of information will no doubt be of paramount importance to patients whose vital statistics are being streamed across the network. In addition, there is no room for outside tampering of transmitted information. All of these requirements must be met before this application can become a reality. Another idea from the National Institutes of Health is that of a Radiology Consultation Workstation. This would allow radiation oncologists and radiologists from different locations to interact in real time to help diagnose and identify maladies and courses of treatment for patients.