Any one actually own/have used a Littmann 3200???

[lauritajones]

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I've used my trusty Littman Master Cardiology for a few years now, and it served my med student self well enough. But now I'm applying EM/IM and have just been finding more and more as I'm in the ER and ICU that I'm having so much trouble hearing over ambient noise and through patient "padding"/"fluff" (you can pick your euphemism of choice). For example: I had a guy that on H&P had a definite S4, then the next day in a different setting, I didn't hear it anymore at all.

Has anyone ever actually used one of these things? I guess I want to know specifically about:
1: in the emergency setting
2: in the ICU or with patients on a vent
3: with obese patients
4: what are lung sounds like with these things, in general?

I'm wondering if all those bouts of AOM as a kid/obnoxious headphone volume as a teenager are catching up with me.

 

[duckie99]

I'm sure it's better. But before you go drop $300 think about whether it would really change how you manage a patient. Would hearing that S4 in the ICU really change what you were doing? Or would hearing a S4 in the ED (which is where you will probably spend a majority of your time as an attending) taking into account all other clinical factors the patient has change your management? My guess is probably not.

And personally I have not seen a single resident or attending ever using one, even the cardiologists. So I don't think it's worth the money.

 

[Pedi FTW]

There is one attending who uses this stethoscope, but seriously, he has hearing aids and is most definitely over the age of 70.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

I've used my trusty Littman Master Cardiology for a few years now, and it served my med student self well enough. But now I'm applying EM/IM and have just been finding more and more as I'm in the ER and ICU that I'm having so much trouble hearing over ambient noise and through patient "padding"/"fluff" (you can pick your euphemism of choice). For example: I had a guy that on H&P had a definite S4, then the next day in a different setting, I didn't hear it anymore at all.

Has anyone ever actually used one of these things? I guess I want to know specifically about:
1: in the emergency setting
2: in the ICU or with patients on a vent
3: with obese patients
4: what are lung sounds like with these things, in general?

I'm wondering if all those bouts of AOM as a kid/obnoxious headphone volume as a teenager are catching up with me.

it is NOT BETTER. There are two ways of using the 3200

1. You have hearing deficits and need the boost in sound
2. You are recording sounds for playback (i.e. you are the teacher)

The sound of the stethoscope is not superior to non-electronic scopes. If you want "the best scope" for actually listening to something, get the Littman Cardiology III (or its comparably priced comeptitor). The added noise from the 3200 is irritating. The electronic hum, the hollow sounds, the fact that it amplifies teh sound of the scope coming into contact with skin. It creates noises that aren;t supposed to be there, and it does not enhance the sounds that are there very well. It is a good device, when used for its intended purpose. It is not worth an EXTRA 300 dollars (it goes for 600), when you can have a mighty fine quality 300 dollar scope that is not digital.

I would recommend against the 3200 for personal use. Stick to what you know, what you are used to, and the thing that costs less. I personally use the cardiology III, and have used a master classic in the past.