Oh, patents! Safe auscultation with the Eko CORE (3)

Copyright © Françoise Herrmann

The Eko CORE digital stethoscope attachment, an invention originally filed in 2015, in the utility patent application US2015257728 titled Stethoscope, Stethoscope Attachment and Collected Data Analysis Method and System, was designed to enable clinicians to convert their favorite analog stethoscopes into digital ones (1). The conversion from analog to digital not only enabled such prized features as sound amplification, noise cancelation, visualization of heart sounds on a dedicated app; storage, replay and sharing of recordings, it also opened up the possibilities of remote auscultation and diagnosis for underserved populations. Finally, if the attachment were designed in kid-friendly ways (e.g.; if it were to look like a butterfly), it was also anticipated that the Eko CORE digital attachment would then create a far friendlier experience for pediatric patients.

Five years later, within the unprecedented context of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Eko CORE digital attachment has generated renewed interest. Indeed, since the attachment is easily detached from the tubing and ear-pieces of a conventional stethoscope, the Eko CORE also arises as a device that enables safe auscultation in 5 easy steps, as shown in the below video. Five easy steps comprising:

1. Detaching the Eko CORE from the conventional stethoscope tubing.
2. Pairing the Eko CORE with a mobile device such as a smartphone.
3. Pairing wireless earbuds to a mobile device such as a smartphone.
4. Inserting the Eko CORE into a single-use protective sleeve, and the wireless earphones behind a mask or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. Proceeding with safe auscultation of the patient, with sound streaming wirelessly in real time, via Bluetooth® connection, to the smartphone, and from the smartphone to the wireless earbuds. 

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Note (1): The original EKO CORE attachment invention was reviewed on April 1, 2015, at Patents on Soles of your Shoes.  

Reference

EKO (website): https://www.ekohealth.com/