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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