Redefining what a stethoscope can do for medical professionals

Model 3200 with revolutionary Bluetooth® technology

Dubai UAE 06 September 2010 -3M recently introduced the new 3M™ Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 series with cutting-edge Bluetooth® technology and exceptional sound capabilities to deliver a superior auscultation experience. The 3000 range includes two highly sophisticated electronic stethoscopes, the 3100 and the 3200 which is equipped with cutting edge Bluetooth® technology.

This Bluetooth® technology in the 3200 model allows medical professionals to wirelessly transmit sounds real-time to a PC for further analysis, attachment to electronic medical records or for reviewing online with colleagues.  This advanced model includes Zargis StethAssit™ sound analysis software which visualizes heart, lung and other body sounds, playback in bell, diaphragm or extended range, display and print as phonocardiogram, and has the capability to save patient information.

In the studies, 83% of cardiologists indicated it was easier to detect/hear an S3 gallop, 82% of cardiologists indicated it was easier to detect/hear an aortic regurgitation murmur(Grade 1 or 2) and 90% of critical care nurses indicated it was easier to detect/hear abnormal lung sounds with the Littmann®  stethoscope 3000 series. When using a non-electronic, cardiology-type stethoscope versus the Littmann®  stethoscope 3000 series, cardiologists missed an S3 gallop 40% more often, a Grade 2 aortic regurgitation murmur five times more often and critical care nurses misidentified whether a sound was normal or abnormal  two times more often.

"3M™'s latest Littmann® stethoscope can quiet the buzzing and humming of any external sounds when trying to listen to lung, heart and abdominal sounds. It is the best way to detect difficult-to-hear sounds. Also, the Bluetooth® technology allows doctors  to instantly transmit sounds to their computer and email them quickly for second opinions," said Caroline Bilen, Senior Technical Specialist from 3M.

The 3M™ Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope series is easy to operate, lightweight and comfortable, has a worry-free power system and a convenient LCD Interface. Its amazing capacity to detect even the faintest of sounds comes from the following features:

Proprietary Ambient Noise Reduction Technology

The 3M™ Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 cancels out, on average, 85% of ambient background noise that can interfere with the auscultation experience, without eliminating critical body sounds. So medical professionals are much less likely to miss the sounds they need to hear in noisy work environments.

Acoustic Seal Eartips

3M™ Littmann® Snap Tight Soft-Sealing Eartips provide a comfortable fit but also create an excellent acoustic seal. It means a tighter seal from ambient noise entering through eartip connections.

State-of-the-Art Sound Sensor

Built to stringent specifications, this new stethoscope provides a life-like 3M™ Littmann® sound experience similar to a high-end cardiology stethoscope. The sound received from the sensor is transmitted naturally to ears through the tubing.

Frictional Noise Reduction Technology

A number of changes in the chest piece help reduce handling noises compared to earlier electronic stethoscopes. It is therefore less distracting, helping medical professionals focus more on what they need to hear.

Up to 24X Sound Amplification

Extra listening power is needed for those times when for example a heart, lung or body sound is especially faint; when a patient is obese; or when a patient's clothing restricts the listening experience.

The 3M™ Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 allows medical professionals to capture a sound for later playback.

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About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 76,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

For further information or interview enquiries, please contact:
Rita Habash
3M Gulf Ltd.
Tel: +971 4 367 0777
rhabash@mmm.com

Jacky Freer
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6152
jacky.freer@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2010