Littmann versus McCoy

[FMH]

which one do you think is better?

some students in my class have been claiming that they can hear murmurs a lot better using a McCoy. I don't know about that. I only use littmann since all the consultants in our teaching hospital prefer it.

 

[deleted87716]

If memory serves, McCoy is one of a number of manufacturers of inexpensive nursing stethoscopes sold in uniform shops. Their product quality is not really comparable to Littmann. That being said, you should use whatever works best for you.

 

[FMH]

Their product quality is not really comparable to Littmann.

That's what I thought. Thank you!

 

[Random]

I don't know about only using Littmanns, though. I've found that I've been able to hear better with the Harvey Elite and a friend of mine swears by his DRG traditional.

 

[domer621]

I don't know about only using Littmanns, though. I've found that I've been able to hear better with the Harvey Elite and a friend of mine swears by his DRG traditional.

Yeah, a cardiologist friend gave me a crazy-looking triple-head Harvey DLX stethoscope that works pretty well. It gets attention.

 

[Random]

Yeah, a cardiologist friend gave me a crazy-looking triple-head Harvey DLX stethoscope that works pretty well. It gets attention.

I'll bet it does! Of course, there are a few department chairs here who use those cheap scopes that our huge med student egoes sneer at just the thought of using.

 

[Law2Doc]

I'll bet it does! Of course, there are a few department chairs here who use those cheap scopes that our huge med student egoes sneer at just the thought of using.

Agreed. I've even seen a big shot doc using a freebie scope some pharm rep must've given him (based on the logos).

 

[ambulancedriver]

which one do you think is better?

some students in my class have been claiming that they can hear murmurs a lot better using a McCoy. I don't know about that. I only use littmann since all the consultants in our teaching hospital prefer it.

it depends. is it a real McCoy?

 

[domer621]

hardy har har

 

[lord_jeebus]

it depends. is it a real McCoy?

Damn it, Jim! I'm a doctor, not a stethoscope appraiser!

 

[jtmoney99]

I have the Harvey Elite. It's a big improvement from the cheepo I used during M1/M2

 

[howelljolly]

Im a Welch Allyn fan myself, but i know at least three attendings that use the < $10 no-brand "nurse" stethoscope, one bright green, one royal blue, and one scarlet. Why?? all three of them said that it block out breath sounds, and gut sounds, and you hear only the heart, and you will hear any sounds that need to be taken care of...
one said "you hear everything you need to, and nothing you don't"

 

[deleted87716]

i know at least three attendings that use the < $10 no-brand "nurse" stethoscope...all three of them said that it block out breath sounds, and gut sounds, and you hear only the heart, and you will hear any sounds that need to be taken care of...
one said "you hear everything you need to, and nothing you don't"

Given the already limited acoustic information that a good stethoscope provides in the first place, I prefer to let my brain do the attenuating. 😉

 

[howelljolly]

I agree, but in my case, I let the stupidity do the attenuating. I'm just pointing out that there are some uncommon opinions held by some experienced doc's, which you dont normally come across. So, maybe the McCoy is good for some folks.

My opinion on what a student who is interested in ausultation should get, if they want the backing of a name brand... Welch Allyn.