The embodiments disclosed herein are drawn generally to a dual-sensor stethoscope that promotes anti-sepsis, stereoscopy, and advanced sound processing. In particular, a stethoscope with dual-sensors on a T-shaped support is disclosed, wherein at least one sensor is electronic.
Existing stethoscopes are currently utilized to auscultate or listen to physiologic sounds within the body. Auscultation with existing stethoscopes is currently performed by intermittently applying a stethoscope to the body surface through which the clinician hears various sounds. Intermittent auscultation may be thought of as a relatively benign procedure. However, several disadvantages and hazards are associated with the use of existing stethoscopes. First, patients undergoing surgery may have the sterile field invaded thereby risking infection in order for the clinician to auscultate the chest. To avoid cross-contamination between patients, many clinicians are forced to carry multiple stethoscopes. Additionally, even when a sterile stethoscope is used, it can transfer pathogens from a first location on a patient's body to a second location during typical auscultation. Furthermore, even in non-surgical environments, transmission of the cold virus is primarily through touch. A clinician's hand can touch the head of a stethoscope, which then touches a patient and vice versa so as to spread the virus. These issues exist whether the stethoscope uses an acoustic (mechanical) sensor or an electronic sensor.
Another disadvantage of known stethoscopes is that patients are frequently awakened and disturbed so that the clinician may apply a cold stethoscope to the patient's chest to monitor vital signs. Studies have shown serious developmental abnormalities in newborn infants who are frequently disturbed to auscultate heart and lung sounds with known stethoscopes. Another disadvantage of existing stethoscopes is that the quality of sound wave transmission is dependent upon an airtight seal between the stethoscope and the skin, typically requiring the clinician to touch, and possibly contaminate, the sensor. In the absence of an airtight seal, background noise is inadvertently detected and physiologic sound transmission is impaired. Finally, another disadvantage of existing stethoscopes is that most are not capable of generating positive or constructive interference, filtering certain frequencies, or providing other processing of physiologic sound waves.