Validation of an effective, low cost, Free/open access 3D-printed stethoscope

Abstract

The modern acoustic stethoscope is a useful clinical tool used to detect subtle, pathological changes in cardiac, pulmonary and vascular sounds. Currently, brand-name stethoscopes are expensive despite limited innovations in design or fabrication in recent decades. Consequently, the high cost of high quality, brand name models serves as a barrier to clinicians practicing in various settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In this publication, we describe the design and validation of a low-cost open-access (Free/Libre) 3D-printed stethoscope which is comparable to the Littmann Cardiology III for use in low-access clinics.

The Effect of Chemical Cleaning on Mechanical Properties of Three-Dimensional Printed Polylactic Acid

“…However, before designing a device to be compatible with chemical cleaning, it is important to realize that stiffness and printed resolution are critical to assess the feasibility of 3Dprinted medical tools. This has been (partially) done for some designs including umbilical cord clamps, surgical retractors, and stethoscopes, but not for surgical instruments such as forceps [6][7][8]. Since these issues are device-specific, the usability of each of these 3D-printed tools must be proven in a clinical setting.…”

“…It has been suggested that three-dimensional (3D)-printed medical tools could reduce the equipment shortage and solve repair problems [6][7][8][9][10]. A large variety of designs have been proposed, including knobs for controlling microscopes, a low-cost videolaryngoscope, a stethoscope, umbilical cord clamps, and surgical instruments [6,8,9,[11][12][13]. For example, Bhatia et al proposed a high-utility surgical toolkit that includes various types of commonly used forceps, clamps, and a retractor, based on devices previously described in the literature [6].…”

Multimaterial 3D Printing for the Fabrication of Functional Stethoscopes

“…Rene Laennec first introduced the stethoscope in 1819 [1] and ever since, physicians have examined the respiratory and circulatory systems with the stethoscope. A multitude of respiratory conditions and disorders can be diagnosed by hearing crackles, wheezing, or plural rubs.…”

“…The wide use of stethoscopes has made them readily available for purchase at higher than necessary costs. 1 Contact author: popkinrachel@knights.ucf.edu Several medical companies and brands manufacture and sell stethoscopes, some even relying on online resellers like Amazon for distribution. MDF Instruments, for instance, sells stethoscopes ranging between $24.99 and $165.70.…”

“…The team's motivation remains to provide healthcare to war and poverty-stricken regions like Gaza [4]. The Glia team combined 3D printed ABS parts, thin PVC sheets, and silicone tubing to assemble a stethoscope for $2.40 -$3.20 [1].…”