Diagnose by ‘Seeing’ the Sound

Medicine is adapting to the changing world and constantly upgrading technologies. One thing, however, that hasn’t changed in decades of medical practice is the humble stethoscope – an indispensable part of a doctor’s ensemble. But, times are changing. The new stethoscope, a device of the future has now arrived! The stethoscope’s existence is now being threatened by the latest handheld portable ultrasound device that allows you to see and not just hear the sounds. These devices look very similar to old flip phones and can help see ultrasound images of the heart while hearing the auscultation sounds. What’s even better is that these images captured by the device can be stored or archived and even shared with a colleague! The only deterrent to doctors purchasing this device over their loyal stethoscopes is the high cost.

What is your take on this? Would you make that shift from a stethoscope to the USG handheld device for better diagnosis?