3M Littmann Stethoscopes
Stethoscope Manufacturer (Company Profile and Products)
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Types of 3M™Littmann ® Stethoscopes
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Littmann Stethoscope History
In the early 1960's Dr. Littmann, a
Harvard Medical School professor, created a new stethoscope with
vastly improved acoustical performance.
Dr. Littmann described his "ideal" stethoscope in the
November issue of the AMA journal. The device included an "open
chestpiece for the appreciation of low-pitched sounds, a closed
chestpiece with a stiff plastic diaphragm to filter-out low-pitched
sounds, firm tubing with a single lumen bore, the shortest practical
overall length, a spring with precise tension to hold the ear tubes
apart, and light and convenient to carry and use."
Dr. Littmann's description of his invention is what is now referred to
as a "combination " or "two-sided chestpiece "
stethoscope... a major advancement in stethoscope technology at the
time. The current 3M™ Littmann ® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, a very
popular 3M product, incorporates many similar features as found in Dr.
Littmann's original stethoscope designs.
On April 1st, 1967, 3M acquired Cardiosonics, Inc. a small Cambridge,
Massachusetts company. Dr. Littmann was the founder and medical
director of this company with his partner, Gus Machlup. At that time
the stethoscope line consisted of two key models, the doctor's
stethoscope and the nurse's stethoscope.
By 1970, the doctor's "combination stethoscope" line had
grown to 10 models... in stainless steel and aluminum featherweight,
gold-plated and pediatric size chestpieces. Tubing color was still
limited to gray and black, but lengths were 22 and 28 inches.
By the end of a four or five year period of new product activity,
there were six major lines of stethoscopes and a total of 40 models
available. In the late 70's, the 3M™ Littmann ® Cardiology
Stethoscope was born. The product was developed by asking fifty of the
world's leading cardiologists to help 3M "design the ultimate
stethoscope." This "cardiologists' dream stethoscope",
as it was called, had a revolutionary two-tubes-in-one design, new
softer eartips and a deeper bell for improved low frequency response.
Throughout the years, product improvements continued. In 1987, 3M
introduced the 3M™ Littmann ® Master Cardiology Stethoscope as its
new top of the line product. This product, invented by 3M engineer Tom
Packard, represented a significant leap in stethoscope technology and
appearance since Dr. Littmann's doctor's stethoscope was developed in
the early 1960's.
The Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is a unique single-sided
chestpiece stethoscope which features 3M's tunable diaphragm
technology. As opposed to conventional "two-sided" or
"combination" chestpiece stethoscopes, the Master Cardiology
is able to capture high and low frequency sound ranges by alternating
pressure on the chestpiece.
Today Littmann stethoscopes are used worldwide. A wide variety, in both traditional and single-sided tunable diaphragm chestpiece designs, are available to meet virtually every auscultation need. Littmann stethoscopes' amenities for doctors and patients include nonchill rims, patented 3M™ Littmann ® Snap Tight Soft-Sealing Eartips, anatomically correct eartubes, excellent warranty and service programs, and a choice of contemporary tubing colors.The standards for stethoscope performance, sound transmission, efficiency and comfort for both wearer and patient have come a long way from Rene Laennec's rolled paper. Listening to body sounds and interpreting their meaning is truly an art in the hands of a trained health care professional using today's advanced acoustical stethoscopes.
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