Abstract
Commercially available digital stethoscopes can be used as a phonocardiograph to record heart sounds. However, procuring a costly digital stethoscope may not be possible under resource-limited conditions. A low-cost, wire connected, and mobile phone-assisted phonocardiograph has been reported previously. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost and wireless phonocardiograph for resource-limited settings. A Bluetooth headset was dismantled to find its microphone. A stethoscope ear knob was cut to make a small bell and it was attached to the microphone. This modified Bluetooth headset was capable of recording sounds while connected to a mobile device with audio recording application. The modified Bluetooth headset, mobile phone, and audio recording software can serve as a wireless phonocardiograph (WiPCGh). Heart sounds were successfully recorded with the help of the newly developed WiPCGh. The audio files were shared with a personal computer (PC) via Bluetooth. The wave form was analyzed in a PC-based audio editing application. First and second heart sounds with systolic and diastolic murmur were identified. WiPCGh can be utilized in recording heart sounds for academic and telemedicine purposes. However, the capability of WiPCGh in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases is yet to be explored in future studies.
Highlights
A 20-year-old patient, suffering from ventricular septal defect recorded heart sounds by holding his mobile phone on the chest wall
This study was divided into two parts—(i) development of the wireless phonocardiograph, and (ii) recording of heart sounds in normal subjects
A low-cost, wireless, and miniature phonocardiograph was made with available instruments and a Bluetooth headset
Summary
A 20-year-old patient, suffering from ventricular septal defect recorded heart sounds by holding his mobile phone on the chest wall. The author suggested that this earphone may be either connected to a mobile device or a personal computer to record the heart sounds [2]. Mamorita et al used a similar type of device while developing an application for phonocardiography [3]. This type of earphone-based device was reported by Bhimani et al [4]. Thomas et al described recording of heart sounds by 3 other types of phonocardiographs based on mobile devices [5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
