The Eko DUO ECG + Digital Stethoscope offers all we can expect from a 40x amplification digital stethoscope combined with a single-lead electrocardiogram. When connected to the EKO app and EKO platform, the DUO allows recording the phonogram and electrocardiogram. FDA-approved algorithms identify murmurs and atrial fibrillation in real-time. At $349, the DUO does not come cheap but considering all this device offers, it is a sound investment, especially when considering the two-year warranty and 30 days money-back guarantee.
DUO ECG + Digital stethoscope by EKO
Price when reviewed: $349
With close than $100 million raised in the last seven years, Eko has been a long way from its Stanford based origin. The company is now a significant player in the electronic stethoscope field. Their collaboration with Littmann gave birth to the excellent 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope.
Relying on FDA cleared Artificial Intelligence algorithms, the EKO Health platform paves the way to the future of auscultation. The Eko DUO ECG + Digital Stethoscope is another example of how technology can change medicine for the better.
An electrocardiogram and stethoscope hybrid
Cleared in 2017 by the FDA, the DUO combines a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a stethoscope in a single device. Data can easily be recorded as a reference or for sharing on the Eko Health iOS and Android compatible app.
When compared to a regular stethoscope, the DUO replaces the chest piece with a small 4.7 inches (119mm) x 1.9 inches (47mm) x 0.6 inches (16mm) ABS box weighing 7.3 ounces (208 grams) that contains all the electronics. Just press the large button on the top face to power it. The bottom face shows the digital diaphragm and the two stainless steel electrodes needed for the single lead EKG offering a 500Hz sample rate.
Contrary to the 3M Littmann CORE Digital Stethoscope, the DUO does not provide an analog stethoscope mode and is a purely digital device. With up to nine hours of continuous use battery life, the Eko DUO will last for several days especially considering that it will automatically switch off after five minutes without use. Charging is as easy as placing the device on the provided wireless induction charger.
The DUO offers up to 60x amplification, 12 volume settings, and includes built-in noise-canceling technology. The volume is adjusted on the device’s side, allowing it to control all of the features single-handedly. Heart or lung sounds can be listened to either using the provided tubing/earpiece or by connecting an external headset. When coupled with Bluetooth to the EKO app, both the phonogram and electrocardiogram are displayed in real-time.
Both for clinical or home use
Eko is famous for the quality of its AI-powered algorithms that detect heart murmurs, Atrial Fibrillation, and differentiate heart sounds. The EKO Platform is HIPAA-compliant and opens the use of the DUO to telehealth providers. From their home, patients can apply the DUO on their chest following their physicians’ video guidance, who will receive the phonogram and electrocardiogram in real-time.
During the COVID-19 pandemics, the DUO is a new way to safely follow-up the patients without the need for a face-to-face appointment. The Eko DUO ECG + Digital Stethoscope is undoubtedly an innovative device and a step towards the future of cardiology.
