Remote diagnosis via the improved stethotelephone
The stethoscope is a medical device frequently used for lung and heart examinations that contains a small disc resonator with two tubes connected to earpieces. Despite its invaluable application, the electronic version of the stethoscope depends mainly on the electro-acoustic properties of the sensors used to acquire the signals of interest. Currently, there are no acoustical standards for characterising electronic stethoscopes – the sounds created are subject to individual evaluation by the medical practitioner. This reduces the trust of physicians in electronic based auscultation, as they need to be trained to assess the sound electronically transduced. European data show that four out of five citizens classify medical errors as an important issue, whereas patient anxiety due to uncertain diagnosis is reflected in expensive additional testing. The average price for an echocardiogram ranges from USD 1 000 to USD 3 000. The EU-funded STETHOTELEPHONE initiative developed a unique device that can digitise the natural sound exactly as it is heard by the medical examiner. It allows a better diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aortic stenosis. STETHOTELEPHONE – Replacing the ears of the “examiner” STETHOTELEPHONE was the first prototype medical device designed to improve the performance of the classic stethoscope, by providing sound amplification and filtering. Since then, two main products were produced, SONE remote, and SONE pro. “The two products of the STETHOTELEPHONE project aimed to enhance the diagnostic value of the classic stethoscope and improve the initial diagnosis of disease. Furthermore, the products enable the detection of sounds remotely and their transmission to clinics or specialists” highlights Mr Marco Bonanno, project coordinator of STETHOTELEPHONE. The transmission of sounds to specialists is accomplished via Bluetooth trough the SoneHealth app(opens in new window); SONE remote guarantees hygiene, sound amplification up to 32x and filtering for lung tones and heart tones. SONE Pro are high-quality electronic headsets for the stethoscope that can be used in any circumstance where there is a need of continuous use of the stethoscope. This device provides real-time amplification (32X) and auscultation filtering for lung and heart sounds. STETHOTELEPHONE is scaled up by commercial partners Acquiring commercial and industrial partners and facilitating dissemination and communication activities in specific target countries (market entry strategy) is the next step of this project. “The challenges for us were to acquire ROCKSTART Accelerator in Netherlands as a partner and investor,” continues Mr Bonanno. “We are currently in agreement with one main distributor for market introduction in Belgium and the Netherlands,” he adds. Product testing was achieved in the best clinics of the Netherlands. The trial testing included selected physicians to identify user needs, product acceptance, and product impact on daily routine. Both SONE remote and SONE pro were assessed as they were designed for different target groups. The SONE health devices are now more user-friendly by introduction of a mobile app and a chart of the sound on the smartphone, which provide a better idea to the users on the first diagnosis of their disease. SONE remote and SONE pro aim to enhance and prolong the auscultation and data acquisition of the traditional stethoscope and to offer improved diagnosis of aortic stenosis and COPD. Furthermore, STETHOTELEPHONE aimed to realise and strengthen remote auscultation services, as at least one out of five people suffer from chronic diseases and require homecare monitoring.
