Thrissur: The stethoscope, long recognised as a symbol of healthcare, is undergoing a major transformation. A new Bluetooth-enabled version of the stethoscope has been developed that allows doctors to examine patients from up to 10 metres away, reducing the need for direct physical contact. This innovative stethoscope was created by Dr John Abraham of the Livestock Production Management College, Mannuthy Campus, at the Kerala Veterinary University. A patent application has been submitted.
The redesigned stethoscope consists of two separate parts – one placed on the patient’s body and the other in the doctor’s ears. The sound waves from the patient’s body are transmitted via Bluetooth to the doctor’s earphones. This enables a doctor to hear the heartbeat, lung sounds, and other body noises from a distance, all while maintaining flexibility in movement. The volume can also be adjusted individually for each side.
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Affordable and functional
A significant advantage of this Bluetooth stethoscope is its affordability. While traditional stethoscopes typically cost over Rs 8,000, the new Bluetooth version is priced under Rs 5,000. The stethoscope can also record and store the sound waves on a mobile phone in real-time and save them, making it a valuable tool for medical practitioners, especially for monitoring conditions like fetal heartbeats.
This advancement is particularly beneficial for doctors who work with wild or potentially dangerous animals, as it minimises the risk of physical injury. It also reduces the possibility of cross-contamination in situations where infectious diseases are a concern, providing an extra layer of safety for both patients and doctors.
In addition to his work on the Bluetooth stethoscope, Dr John Abraham has previously secured patent for biodiesel production from chicken waste.
Published: 19 Feb 2025, 11:31 am IST
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