Eko Health launches next-generation digital stethoscope

Eko Health announced that it launched its next-generation digital stethoscope, the CORE 500.

Emeryville, California-based Eko engineered the system to enhance diagnostic accuracy and early disease detection. It combines artificial intelligence (AI) software, high-fidelity audio, full-color display and 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The system delivers what Eko calls an essential patient assessment tool for healthcare professionals.

CORE 500 received FDA clearance last month. It offers compatibility with Eko’s Sensora platform which uses artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiac disease detection.

“A few years ago, we set out to reimagine the most ubiquitous medical tool. We’ve spent countless hours designing, testing, and refining to produce a flagship product that we’re very proud of and has high clinical value – the CORE 500 is the result,” said Connor Landgraf, co-founder & CEO of Eko Health. “The CORE 500 represents a major leap forward in digital stethoscope technology. When paired with our powerful AI algorithms, it can help detect leading indicators of heart disease in seconds, greatly assisting healthcare professionals in identifying various cardiac conditions with increased accuracy and confidence.

“This innovative feature aims to save time during routine exams and improve patient outcomes.”

More about the Eko Health CORE 500
Eko says CORE 500 is the first stethoscope to provide healthcare professionals with accurate, instantaneous patient auscultation data on a full-color display that includes heart rate and ECG tracing. Supported by Eko Health’s FDA-cleared AI offerings, the stethoscope flags abnormalities within seconds. Those include AFib, bradycardia, and tachycardia.

CORE 500 features 40x sound amplification, active noise cancelation and three audio filter modes. Eko also outfitted it with its new TrueSound audio innovation. TrueSound offers optimal sound filtering and reduced background noise for precise sound during patient exams.

The system offers the familiar design and intuitive workflow of a conventional stethoscope. Eko said it designed CORE 500 for use across clinical specialties. That extends to structural heart, primary care, urgent care, emergency medicine, home care and virtual care.

Eko built CORE 500 from lightweight, shatter-, splash- and scratch-resistant material. It also features a fast-charging lithium-ion battery, lasting up to 60 hours of regular clinical use on a single charge.

“As cardiovascular disease rises with our aging population, noninvasive tools like the CORE 500 turn a patient interaction into a potential disease screening,” said Dr Paul Friedman, chair of cardiovascular medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Supported AI diagnostics software, advanced audio technology, and 3-lead ECG make this a useful tool for clinicians. The live ECG tracing on the display will help identify patients with previously unknown arrhythmias at the point of care.”

The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research has a financial interest in Eko Health, the company said. MassDevice