BETARU : A Cordless Stethoscope, A Cost Effective Portable, Cordless Phonocardiogram Cum Part Echocardiogram : A More Powerful tool

When connected to a computer network, helping critically ill patients

Abstract: Betaru is a cordless stethoscope. A volume control enables  even  very feeble  sounds (auscultatory findings)  to become audible. The stethoscope has a chest piece and a bell enabling function as a conventional stethoscope. The signals can be saved  on  any storage device be it a cassette recorder, floppy discs, hard discs, DVDs, CDs dynamic / static RAM’s for later reference. Such a system also allows better evaluation and follow up of auscultatory findings enabling better patient care.

 The signals being electrical can be transmitted via direct modems or internet to any part of the world in less than 10 seconds allowing distant patient care as well as aiding greatly as a tele medicine unit.

 The signals can also be received by a computer allowing a visual display or  a fourier analysis of the auscultatory findings.

 As a teaching tool Betaru can be used as it is cordless thus enabling auscultatory findings to be heard by an audience (with individual head pieces / amplified signal) all at the same time.

 Patient trials have been conducted.

Key Words: Betaru, Cordless, FM, Teaching Tool, Tele Medicine, Signal Recording, Signal Transmission, Patient Care, Filteration, Amplification, Electronic  

Some More Information

Beatru utilizes the standard type of a chest  piece, allowing rotation to the bell / diaphragm  position, like a conventional stethoscope. The Transmitting unit weighs 70 grams and can be easily gripped  in one hand. The Receiving unit is 200 grams which can be clipped onto any pocket or placed along with the head phones. 

The important advantages are:

 

i).Betaru is small, compact, handy and cordless giving     greater ease and mobility to a doctor;

 

ii).Signals can be stored on a computer or other media for later reference;

 

iii).It provides better audibility in conditions where auscultatory findings are not of a good amplitude (pericardial effusion, fetal heart sounds, fine crepts, obesity);

 

iv).Simultaneous auscultation can be performed by several individuals with separate headphones;

 

v).Signals can be transmitted via telephone lines or internet providing the opportunity of tele medicine.

 

vi).Signals can be analyzed by passing through an A/D converter, thus digitizing them. Subsequently a fourier analysis can document any abnormal frequencies  in auscultatory findings, helping in disease diagnosis. An on-line visual display of auscultatory findings is also possible.

Any Other Information That You May Require