Hi-res X-ray image sent through Vodafone’s 5G network

Róbert Varga, a student at the Széchenyi István University of Győr, was the first to transmit high-resolution X-ray images over a 5G network in Hungary, with the professional and technological assistance of Innomed Medical, Vodafone Hungary and the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH). This health innovation is opening up new horizons in the field of various remote diagnostic procedures.

The rapid and effective medical evaluation of health findings revealed using imaging equipment is vital, and this is what makes the health innovation of Róbert Varga unquestionably significant. Róbert, a student at the Széchenyi István University of Győr, transmitted a high-resolution X-ray image electronically for the first time in Hungary, via Vodafone’s 5G network.

“X-ray images are usually carried on some kind of external medium (e.g. USB drive) from the X-ray device to the remote diagnostic device. However, 5G, the next-generation network, allows large files to be transmitted quickly and efficiently, which is extremely important because in healthcare every minute spared can save lives.” revealed  Róbert Varga, the owner of the idea.

This innovation allows X-ray images to be taken from the X-ray machine – via a so-called PACS server – directly to the diagnostic workstations, eliminating the need for external media, which, for example, is particularly important for mobile screening stations. The student, who also won a Scientific Student Association (TDK) Award with his project, developed and presented his idea to the public using the devices of Innomed Medical Zrt. and Vodafone Hungary’s 5G network. “Hospitals are key institutions serving the interests of society, which is why I am concerned about how to support the day-to-day lives of hospitals, doctors and patients. I believe that with the release of 5G technology, the range of possibilities will expanded. I’d rather have the data travel than the doctor!” said Róbert Varga, the owner of the idea.

 “Our research and development institute, where, in addition to the founding engineers, junior staff and university students are also engaged, focuses on finding ways into the future. Our most recent, in-progress piece of research is centred around an easy-to-install and easy-to-disinfect quick diagnostic tool which, thanks to its mobility, can be used in crisis zones. This development is highly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to both its mobility and ease of disinfection, as it can be easily installed even in container hospitals. This device is, in fact, a modular, low-dose, multi-purpose, battery-operated tomography device (DTS), which takes a mere 10 seconds to produce an image. The role of 5G technology truly shows during the transferring of the large amounts of data generated in the process of taking the image to the diagnostic device. This was the project where the paths of Róbert Varga, Vodafone Hungary Zrt. and Innomed Medical Zrt. crossed. It’s in the interests of all three of us to bring this process to a successful implementation.” – explained Endre Dévai, President of Innomed Medical Zrt.