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New Stethoscope Technology

Allows for Earlier Diagnosis of Heart Problems

by Paul Hiltz, NCH President & CEO
rtificial Intelligence (AI) continues A segment in the stethoscope between the patient and the
to make significant advancements doctor's ears sends a Bluetooth signal to an iPad in the exam room
A in the field of medicine and connected to Eko Sensora and its AI platform. The sounds are
healthcare, offering an array of applications analyzed by this AI technology. Its real-time results are available
that can improve patient care, diagnosis within seconds of completing the four-point exam, and the patient
and treatment. I am thrilled to announce gets real-time feedback. For those with positive readings, the
that NCH is the first healthcare system in results and next steps are then discussed. Next steps may include
the United States to use the Eko Sensora doing an echocardiogram or seeing a cardiologist.
software platform. Five locations within NCH participated in a 90-day pilot
This groundbreaking technology leverages AI to analyze program with more than 1,000 patients, using the Eko Health
heart data through the Eko Sensora software platform, offering stethoscope and the Sensora software platform. Doctors were
a pioneering approach to diagnosing heart problems earlier than able to identify potential structural heart disease in almost 13% of
ever before. The Eko stethoscopes, coupled with the Sensora these patients – who had not previously been diagnosed with heart
software platform, represent a significant advancement in the problems.
early detection of heart issues during routine exams. Now that the pilot study is completed, the implementation
Designed to assist both frontline technicians and physicians, phase has begun – with the Eko Health stethoscopes and Sensora
the Eko stethoscopes and Sensora software platform offers a platform software now available at more than 14 NCH locations.
significant breakthrough in the early detection of heart issues The Eko stethoscope in current use at NCH is for the heart
during regular exams. only. However, awaiting FDA approval is an upgraded version
The Eko stethoscope is placed on the patient's chest in called the CORE 500. The EKG on the CORE 500 will help in
predetermined locations for about 30 seconds per location. As detecting AFib while the AI Sensora with CORE 500 will also
the medical assistant or the nurse moves the stethoscope from detect heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.
position one to position two, the AI technology analyzes the AI is pioneering change, saving lives, and enhancing the well-
sounds in position one. At the same time, it obtains sounds in being of our community.
position two.
For more information, please visit
NCHMD.org
74 Life in Naples | March 2024