By ZHENG CAIXIONG in Guangzhou | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2020-03-13 15:45
Researchers develop a system for testing the intelligent stethoscopes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
An intelligent stethoscope developed by Guangdong University of Technology is expected to play a role in preventing coronavirus cross-infections in people.
The stethoscope collects overlapping sounds of the heart and lungs on the chest surface by means of a highly sensitive electronic head. It then filters out useless noise and separates the sounds from the organs and then transmits them to earphones or a background server through a wireless network, a statement released by Guangdong University of Technology said on Friday.
Doctors can evaluate the patient remotely through the intelligent stethoscope online or offline, even when they are wearing protective suits. They can change to another stethoscope head when they evaluate another patient, the statement said.
Intelligent digital stethoscopes developed by Guangdong University of Technology. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The intelligent stethoscope isolates patients from doctors, it prevents cross infection and contributes to controlling the current epidemic, it added.
Compared with traditional stethoscopes, the intelligent models have the advantages of sound enhancement and wireless connection, and the sounds they detect can be digitized.
The instrument was developed an electrocardiogram research team headed by professor Xie Shengli. Other key members of the team include professors Zhou Guoxu, Xie Kan, Yang Qiyu and Lu Jun.
The research team works to develop intelligent stethoscopes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Liu Zhonglin, a senior doctor at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital in Guangzhou, said the intelligent stethoscope is well-suited to current needs.
Yang Zhengfei, a doctor at the hospital's emergency and critical care laboratory said the intelligent stethoscope helps avoid the spread of infections by contact.
Chai Chengwei, deputy director of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, said the intelligent stethoscope is not only needed during the current fight against the coronavirus epidemic, but also shows the development direction of modern stethoscopes. It helps in the collection and sharing of electronic medical data, allows for remote consultation and improves conditions in remote areas.
A doctor uses an intelligent stethoscope to evaluate a patient. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Liu, Yang and Chai have all used the intelligent stethoscope clinically.
Intelligent stethoscopes will be donated to front-line hospitals in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic in the weeks to come, the statement said.
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