Stethoscope ?

[Art Vandelay]

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Hi,
Can anyone comment on the Phillips stethoscope? Also, does anyone know how hose length effects things?

Thanks!

 

[subtle1epiphany]

typically the longer the hose, the worse the sound. You'll notice that most cardiology-specific steth's are of a shorter length. It is supposed to help you pick up murmurs better.

Love your sig and avatar! DMB rulez!

Anyway, regarding the OP's question, from what I've heard the shorter tubing isn't as much a factor as you might think and generally a shorter steth will result in more awkward positions when utilizing the tool. Also, you'll be closer to that pneumonia pt, so that's a factor as well. I've been seriously considering cardio, especially since I'm working as a telemetry/monitor tech and volunteering in a cardio lab at UCI, and I'm certain that when I purchase my first steth it will be a nice Littmann Cardio III (haven't heard much about Phillips) and the longer one is my choice. If you get the model with great acoustics in the first place, then getting a longer one won't make a huge difference, at least that's my rationale, if I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Thanks for the info. I have a cardiology III and I don't like it much. I tried the Phillips off a friend and thought it was great. It was a long time ago, so maybe I was just on my good drugs that day. Nice tip about the closeness issue.
Actually, I was in latex sales, then I worked as an importer/exporter. However, my true love has always been architecture. I'm currently working on a clinic for Dr. Van Nostrand the Julliard trained Dermatologist.

 

[subtle1epiphany]

Thanks for the info. I have a cardiology III and I don't like it much. I tried the Phillips off a friend and thought it was great. It was a long time ago, so maybe I was just on my good drugs that day. Nice tip about the closeness issue.

I'd say, try out a Phillips again, if it works for ya, go for it. Do realize that I'm just starting med school next year so I'd take my advice with a healthy dose of salt. I don't want you to follow bad advice.

 

[NateatUC]

Hi,
Can anyone comment on the Phillips stethoscope?

I can. I got one as a gift from a doc friend of mine when I started med school. They were still made by HP then. I also own a Cardio III that I got for myself. My experience is that I can hear MUCH better with the Phillips. I also really like the fact that it comes with multiple different bells and a peds diaphragm. Worked great on peds - put the peds diaphragm on one side and the adult on the other and you can listen to anyone from birth on up. I also think the ear pieces are much easier to adjust to angle comfortably into your ears. That may be why I can hear better - that I'm actually able to adjust it right.

Only downside is that since the edges of the diaphragms are metal, you can't use them as a reflex hammer like you can with the Littman.