Bluetooth Enabled Stethoscope Feeds Analytic Software

The Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 is the first electronic stethoscope to feature Bluetooth technology, wirelessly transferring heart, lung, and other body sounds from the chest-piece to Zargis (Stamford, CT, USA) Cardioscan or StethAssist software for analysis. The stethoscope and Cardioscan software combination is designed to help clinicians identify suspected heart murmurs and differentiate between those that should be referred and those that should not, based on guidelines issued jointly by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Based on the software analysis and their own assessment, physicians can then choose to refer patients for an echocardiogram test.

Among the features and benefits of the Littmann Electronic Stethoscope are proprietary Ambient Noise Reduction Technology (ANR), which reduces background noise by 85% on average, without eliminating critical body sounds; acoustic seal eartips that create a tight acoustic seal, impeding ambient noise from entering through the eartips; a state-of-the-art sound sensor, with the sound received from the sensor transmitted naturally to ears through the tubing; frictional noise reduction technology that helps reduce handling noises; and up to 24X sound amplification for hard to hear auscultations. The digital user interface offers easy-to-operate controls, a liquid crystal diode (LCD) backlight for low-light conditions, and an instant-on feature that activates with a quick touch of the power button. The Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 is a product of 3M Health Care (3M; St. Paul, MN, USA).

"Together, 3M and Zargis took the basic electronic stethoscope and transformed it into an advanced clinical tool that can improve diagnostic capabilities,” said John Kallassy, CEO of Zargis Medical. "Cardioscan is a breakthrough in medical technology that has the potential to reduce unnecessary medical referrals while improving outcomes at the same time.”

"Pairing the Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 with Zargis Cardioscan software is a gigantic step forward in changing the way clinicians listen to and interpret heart sounds,” said Debra Rectenwald, vice president and general manager of the 3M infection-prevention division. The 3M/Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 with the Zargis Cardioscan has won the Popular Science magazine "Innovation of the Year" award for 2009. Ms. Rectenwald further commented, "This award is a testament to the spirit that drives 3M's innovation to develop and create new ways to improve the delivery of healthcare.”

Related Links:
3M Health Care
Zargis