When Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laënnec invented the stethoscope 197 years ago, it was celebrated as one of the greatest discoveries in medicine. Although there have been a few design tweaks since then, like adding some flexible tubing and creating the means for both ears to hear heart sounds, they have been relatively conservative. But this week saw two interesting design additions that could make the stethoscope an even more efficient and cost saving device — one cleared by the FDA.
Medical device startup called Rijuven Corp in Wexford, Pennsylvania received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the first stethoscope accessory. MobiHealthNews reported the CardioSleeve is a clinical decision support tool to help doctors evaluate heart murmurs. It can record, display and analyze electrical and acoustical footprints of the heart in real time. Users can transmit the recording to and from a wirelessly connected portable device, according to a company statement. Its description suggests that it could amplify subtle heart sounds that might be missed either because of a lack of experience or subjective hearing.
The device will make it easier to consult with other physicians because they can share digital heart sound recordings easier. The data can also be backed up through the cloud, according to the company’s website. It will only be available to clinicians and is expected to hit the market in the fourth quarter.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Then there’s the optical stethoscope developed by designers Seobin Oh and JoonHee Kim. It displays a waveform on its LED screen knob to show doctors the heartbeat, or stomach fluid sounds they are hearing. It can also display vitals like heart rate and pulse to speed up diagnosis on the screen/knob. One component also keeps the knob warm so patients no longer have to feel a chill when the stethoscope is applied to their chest. As Mashable points out, it’s just a design concept at this point.
