Eko Core 500

General Device:

The Eko Core 500 is a next-generation digital stethoscope from Eko. In addition to filtered and amplified auscultation, the stethoscope features a 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform function and heart rate display. All of these feature’s sync to a paired tablet or smartphone, making this device one that is accessible for use in Telemedicine.

The Core 500 stethoscope supports three auscultation filter modes: Cardiac Mode for heart sounds, Pulmonary Mode for lung sounds, and Wide Band Mode for general auscultation. The device consists of two pieces: the earpiece and the chest piece. These two pieces are easily connected with a 3.5mm female audio jack on the chest piece and a corresponding male 3.5mm connection on the earpiece. The earpiece also utilizes Eko’s proprietary TrueSound^(TM) system which features “optimal sound filtering, background noise reduction, and in-ear speakers that minimize artifacts.” (Eko Health) The use of a paired tablet or smartphone can also utilize a paired Bluetooth headset to replace the earpiece on the stethoscope or provide for secondary listening, like in a training session. This is a feature that can be toggled on or off from inside the Eko app.

The display on the top of the stethoscope is just under 2” wide. The image is bright in most lighting situations but does not feature any brightness adjustment. The display is raised off the bottom of the chest piece to allow for traditional grip methods when conducting an exam. On the bottom of the chest piece is the stethoscope diaphragm surrounded by the three metal ECG leads. At the top of the display is the function button, and the volume buttons are located on the left side of the display. This allows for easy one-handed operation to switch the filter and adjust the volume while conducting an exam.

Providers with hearing loss may benefit from the built-in sound amplification, helping users hear low-frequency sounds more clearly. Waveform visualization (for both phonocardiograms and electrocardiograms) on the Eko App help to visualize the sounds heard and electrical signals being captured, and finally Bluetooth compatibility allowing stethoscopes to be paired via mobile device with hearing aids or wireless streaming audio devices.

Smart Stethoscope Function

The Core 500 detects and computes the heart rate in real-time based on the phonocardiogram (PCG) data. This calculation is done locally on the chest piece itself and displayed in all auscultation modes. The computed heart rate, as well as the ECG waveforms, can be displayed on the screen mounted on top of the chest piece, as well as the accompanying mobile application.

While in cardiac and wide filter mode, there is a chest piece grey symbol on the display which turns white with a checkmark to indicate that the user is getting a proper 3-lead connection for the ECG function. Once the chest piece starts to collect data, this symbol is replaced with the ECG waveform on the integrated display.

Mobile App Integration

The Core 500 pairs to a mobile device or tablet and allows for advanced murmur detection once a significantly long enough exam recording has been conducted. The app is divided into 3 categories: menu, listen, and patients. Menu allows for account settings to be changed as well as selection of a nearby Eko device. The listen tab is for capturing exams and sounds from a connected Eko device, and finally the Patients tab allows you to see recorded exams that have been conducted in the past. These exams can be reviewed and shared directly from the app.

From the listen tab it is also possible to do a live stream of the current auscultation exam to a web browser. Live stream is activated by selecting the live stream option in the upper right. A dialog menu appears that enables the live stream toggle. From there, you can email the live stream link or share using the integrated sharing options for your mobile device (i.e. Air Drop, Copy, messages, etc.).

Comparison with Previous Eko Device

The form factor of this device is radically traditional compared to the previous generation: Eko Duo which is no longer on the market. The Eko Duo was rectangular shaped, like a thin candy bar, and provided an unfamiliar feel to providers used to an analog stethoscope. Additionally, there was no display on the device, but instead, just a series of indicator lights around a single main function button, with a volume rocker on the side. The two-lead metal ECG leads where on the underside of the device next to the diaphragm, and the only way to charge the device was to use the wireless charging matt.

The Core 500 differs in that it uses universal USB-C charging port on the chest piece itself and has the full display on top of the chest piece allowing for more clear indication of device status. Additional and separated volume buttons allow for more clear operations as well. The UI on the display makes it clear which mode you are using.

Product Specs:

Summary:

The Eko Core 500 is a significant improvement on the previous generation of Eko ECG devices. With the Eko app the Core 500 can be used as a telemedicine-capable stethoscope in most applications. The form factor should be more familiar to providers used to standard stethoscopes; this could allow providers to require less training when deploying the device. These factors make it a worthy consideration for those in the market for a digital stethoscope.

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