New Stethoscope With Extensible Diaphragm

Abstract

Background:This study compared the diagnostic efficacy of the common suspended diaphragm stethoscope (SDS) with a new extensible diaphragm stethoscope (EDS) for low-frequency heart sounds.

Methods and Results:The EDS was developed by using an ethylene propylene diene monomer diaphragm. The results showed that the EDS enhanced both the volume and quality of low-frequency heart sounds, and improved the ability of examiners to auscultate such heart sounds.

Conclusions:Based on the results of the sound analysis, the EDS is more efficient than the SDS.