New York: The humble stethoscope which is considered as a symbol of medical profession for nearly 200 years will be replaced by portable hi-tech devices

The service of stethoscope with the global medical profession could be experiencing its final days due to the introduction of ‘point-of-care ultrasound devices’ which are becoming highly popular because of their accuracy in diagnosis. Moreover, they can be made available for less expensive cost as the years pass.

In an editorial in the journal ‘Global Heart’, a brief history of the stethoscope and ultrasound medical devices were furnished as comparison. Following that, he authors of the journal have pointed out that the current stethoscope could soon be send to the primitive collections of medical history.

Meanwhile several manufacturers have offered handy ultrasound devices slightly larger than a deck of cards, with technology and screens resembling a modern smartphone.

According to the researchers the ultrasound technology can reduce complications and useful in emergency procedures since they improve diagnostic accuracy to a greater extent. Recent clinical studies have proved that ultrasound is more accurate than even chest X-ray in the detection of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and perhaps even pneumonia.

Thus, many experts have the opinion that ultrasound would be the stethoscope of the 21st century.