3M To Demonstrate Telemedicine Technology In Development At Upcoming Conference
Recognizing the growing need for quality device options in telemedicine practice, 3M will demonstrate and gather input on the 3M Littmann Scope-to-Scope Software for telemedicine auscultation for use with the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 during the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) annual meeting in San Antonio this weekend. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in live demonstrations of the technology and provide their feedback. The technology is not currently FDA-cleared and is not available for sale.
"Telemedicine is a rapidly growing trend in medical practice, and it seemed a logical extension for 3M to investigate the use of our Bluetooth-enabled Littmann Model 3200 as a part of tele-auscultation," said Ingrid Blair, vice president, 3M Patient Assessment. "We value our customers' input and are eager to gain important insight from experts in the field."
Demonstrations of the 3M Littmann Scope-to-Scope Software for telemedicine auscultation will be conducted in the 3M booth #1239 upon opening and continuing every hour on the hour during the exhibition hall hours.
Launched in 2009, the Littmann Model 3200 is the first electronic stethoscope featuring Bluetooth technology. The stethoscope is currently being used to wirelessly transmit heart, lung and body sounds to software on a PC for further analysis, including software that analyzes heart sounds for possible pathologic heart murmurs. The telemedicine technology would enable physicians to use the Littmann Model 3200 to capture and send real-time heart, lung, and body sounds from a patient to a health care specialist in a remote facility.
Telemedicine, including tele-auscultation, is a rapidly growing segment of medical practice. According to a 2009 report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., a global business strategy company, the global market for telemedicine is expected to reach $9.1B by this year. The United States, specifically, is the fastest growing telemedicine market, with revenues expected to reach $4B by this year, and nearly $8.7B by 2015. Modern telemedicine technology can help physicians better aid their counterparts in treating patients in remote locations through computers, video conferencing facilities and several other diagnostic equipment.
About 3M Health Care
3M Health Care, one of 3M's six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help healthcare professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery and health information markets. For more information visit www.3m.com/healthcare.
3M Littmann Scope to Scope Software is not FDA-cleared and is not available for sale. No orders can be taken or placed.
SOURCE: 3M Health Care