The Eko Core is a small device that attaches to an analog stethoscope and transmits heartbeat sounds via Bluetooth to software on the operator’s iPhone or iPad. The company, Eko Devices, said it designed a device to attach to a standard stethoscope to preserve the image of the stethoscope in healthcare, according to Forbes.
Eko Devices, based in Berkeley, Calif., will test the Eko Core’s data against echocardiogram results to ensure accuracy. If it proves accurate, the Eko Core could be used in clinical practices to determine whether an EKG is necessary. It also has potential as a research tool, using its algorithm to find new patterns in heart function, according to the report.
Currently, the Eko Core is only available on iOS devices and does not yet have Food and Drug Administration clearance for clinical use. If it passes the FDA approval process, the company plans to debut it in early summer for $199 per unit, according to the report.
