3M (NYSE:MMM) and Eko announced today that they are collaborating to combine 3M’s Littmann stethoscope with Eko’s digital innovations.
St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M’s new Littmann CORE digital stethoscope includes capabilities for clinicians to access both analog and digital auscultation options, along with amplification and noise cancellation and the visualization of sound during auscultation.
3M and Oakland, Calif.-based Eko plan to connect the latter’s software and artificial intelligence algorithms to help clinicians use the stethoscope to better interpret sounds and detect heart murmurs, according to a news release.
“Today, 3M Littmann Stethoscopes embarks upon a new era in our long history as a pioneer in auscultation innovation and quality by introducing our most advanced stethoscope yet,” 3M medical devices senior director Kristi Barnett said in the release. “The new 3M Littmann CORE digital stethoscope combines the superior acoustics of the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope with Eko’s digital technology and software to aid and enhance a clinician’s auscultation assessments.”
Clinicians will have access to the AI and clinical decision support to aid in screening during routine physical exams, while also having access to Eko’s telemedicine software to make the benefits of the stethoscope available for in-person and remote patient care. Eko won FDA clearance for its algorithms that can detect the presence of atrial fibrillation and suspected heart murmurs in January.
“Being able to confidently assess heart and lung sounds helps ensure the best cardiac and pulmonary care possible,” added Eko co-founder & CEO Connor Landgraf. “Partnering with 3M Littmann Stethoscopes allows us to incorporate the power of our digital and machine learning technology alongside the stethoscope trusted by millions of clinicians worldwide, which can help impact patient outcomes and quality of care. Combining the 3M Littmann CORE digital stethoscope with the Eko platform of software and AI helps clinicians elevate cardiopulmonary care to a whole new level.”
