3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes & Eko Announce New Collaboration


Summary: As the world of healthcare and its dependence on auscultation continues to evolve, digital technology is being introduced to meet the advancing demands of the industry. To meet these changing needs, 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes and Eko are announcing a new collaboration that will marry best-in-class 3M Littmann stethoscope technology with advanced Eko digital innovations.
Clinician listens to child's heart with digital stethoscope

The new 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope offers clinicians access to both analog and digital auscultation options and connects to Eko's software and AI algorithms to help clinicians better interpret sounds and detect signs of heart disease. Benefits to clinicians include:

  • Helps increase confidence in auscultation assessments.
  • Amplification** and active noise cancellation.
  • Visualization of sound data during auscultation.
  • Access to Eko's AI and clinical decision support, helping providers to screen for signs of heart disease during routine physical exams.
  • Access to Eko's telemedicine software, making these benefits available for both in-person and remote patient care.

"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," said Kristi Barnett, Sr. Director, 3M Medical Devices. "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."

The collaboration between 3M Littmann Stethoscopes and Eko brings together two innovative companies that are focused on delivering comprehensive health care solutions that drive better patient outcomes.

"This combination is a game changer allowing a physician in rural America or a nurse treating patients in a non-office setting to have access to cutting-edge clinical decision support."

In January of this year, Eko received FDA clearance for an algorithm that can detect the presence of suspected heart murmurs. The 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope can connect to Eko software, including its heart murmur AI and its telemedicine software, enabling enhanced in-person or remote patient care.

"For clinicians, listening is a gateway to making critical diagnoses. Being able to confidently assess heart and lung sounds helps ensure the best cardiac and pulmonary care possible," said Connor Landgraf, co-founder and CEO, Eko. "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." 

Please note: Murmur detection is part of Eko’s SENSORA™ Cardiac Disease Detection Platform. Contact our sales team to learn more.