Full Spectrum Infrasonic Stethoscope for Screening Heart, Carotid Artery, and Lung Related Diseases

Microphones and stethoscopes are regularly used by physicians to detect sounds when monitoring physiological conditions. These monitors are coupled directly to a person's body and measure in certain bandwidths either by listening or by recording the signals. The physiological processes such as respiration and cardiac activity are reflected in a different frequency bandwidth from 0.01 Hz to 500 Hz. This technology can monitor physiological conditions in the entire bandwidth range. Signals can also be wirelessly transmitted, using Bluetooth, to other recording devices at any other location. NASA Langley Research Center has developed an infrasonic stethoscope that detects a broader range of physiological conditions than conventional stethoscope, use of which has declined mainly due to availability of other advance technologies such as the echocardiogram. The echocardiograms can be complex, costly and require the need of a specialist for correct interpretation. Further, it is estimated that more than 85% population of the world does not have access to advanced diagnostic tools such as echocardiogram and CT scans. This scope provides additional data to physicians by monitoring signals across full frequency bandwidths that include cardiac, carotid artery, and respiration activities something that is not available in conventional stethoscopes.