Stethoscopes are an essential part of any medical practitioner’s toolkit. It is an instrument used to listen to a patient’s heartbeat, breathing, and other bodily sounds. Doctors and nurses use this device to determine heart and lung problems and understand the blood flow within the body.
It typically has a small disc-shaped resonator that is placed against the chest and two tubes connected to earpieces. It allows the practitioner to assess the patient’s cardiac, respiratory, and intestinal functions. It serves as a standard for any practice area, mainly used to conduct physical examinations and assessments.
History of Stethoscope
The first stethoscopes were developed by René Laennec at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, France in 1816. Dr. David Littman of Harvard University is credited with inventing lightweight materials for better acoustics.
The elementary first design was soon enhanced, with later versions of the rolled-up tube looking like thin wooden funnels. Doctors would use this version for 25 years before an Irish physician, Arthur Leared developed a more complex model with two earpieces.
At first, the medical community didn’t want to use the model with two earpieces because they were unsure if two earpieces would deliver accurate results. Eventually, the newer type became widely accepted until, a hundred years later, another inventor made consistent enhancements to this design.
A New Era of Stethoscope
By the 1940s, the most common style of the stethoscope was regarded, including two different bells connected to two large rubber tubes that attached to metal ear tubes. This design was a bit heavy and difficult to carry around. But until the 1960s, fortunately, a lighter model came around.
Dr. David Littman describes a device with an open chest piece for low-pitched sounds, a closed piece for high-pitched sounds, and firm tubing for the shortest length possible. And he succeeded in creating his vision and now modern stethoscopes can listen to low or high-pitch noises by adjusting the pressure of the bell against the patient’s body.
Impact of Stethoscope on Society
The stethoscope is a simple medical tool used to amplify noise within the body. However, the impact of the tool is excellent and there is no denying the fact that healthcare professionals throughout history have made better diagnoses they otherwise would not have been able to. The invention allowed doctors and nurses to make a quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
For instance, pregnant women may avoid X-rays and CT scans during their pregnancy. A stethoscope can help doctors review if a patient’s shortness of breath can contribute to asthma or any disease without exposing patients to even small doses of radiation.
If you’re experiencing any warning of heart and lung problems, such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, excess mucus, coughing up blood, and chronic chest pain, speak to a healthcare provider immediately. They will use the stethoscope to help determine what’s going on in your lungs and heart and provide a treatment plan.
As the stethoscope remains the major instrument in the representation of healthcare providers, Tech4Life Enterprises brings eSteth brand stethoscopes in different models. Due to its comprehensive range, unique design, and high-quality sounds, medical providers, nurses, and students can improve medical care and better diagnose patients.
If you’re a doctor, practitioner, or nurse, a stethoscope is an essential device to your job and for your patient’s well-being. eSteth stethoscopes have all the robust features you need for accurate diagnoses, such as flexible PVC tubing, clear sound frequency, easy sound recording and transfer, and durability. So, get your hands on it now!