-First system of its kind will improve telemedicine capabilities-

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With new technology announced today by 3M, a doctor in Minnesota can — in real-time — detect a murmur in the heart of a child in rural Arizona. Through the new 3M™ Littmann® Scope-to-Scope Tele-Auscultation System, clinicians can transfer digitally captured patient sounds in real-time, from one stethoscope to another, no matter the distance. In tandem with the innovative 3M™ Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, the Scope-to-Scope Software is transforming the tele-auscultation experience so clinicians can consult with colleagues in real-time, across data networks, anywhere in the world.

A time and money saver for both healthcare providers and patients, telemedicine has grown rapidly across the United States. Physicians and health systems are increasingly seeing the benefits of offering their primary services to an even broader population, who would not otherwise have easy access.

“As telemedicine increases in scope and usage, so does the need for high-quality equipment,” said Dr. Eric Henley of North Country HealthCare in Flagstaff, Ariz., which has been conducting a study using the Littmann® Scope-to-Scope Tele-Auscultation System. “With this technology, we are now able to offer our underserved patients the same level of diagnostic care that patients can obtain in a traditional face-to-face visit without requiring them to travel.”

The Littmann® Scope-to-Scope Tele-Auscultation System has the capacity to impact patient outcomes throughout the country. In the past, tele-auscultation was limited by less than desired sound quality and stethoscope equipment was not like the everyday stethoscope they used. The Littmann® Scope-to-Scope Software eliminates these challenges with intuitive technology and advanced sound quality. The heart, lung or other body sounds heard at the remote site are the same sounds heard at the patient site. The result is an exceptional sound experience in tele-auscultation.

“Clinicians anywhere in the country can simultaneously listen and consult on patient sounds from one stethoscope to another with exceptional sound quality,” said Ingrid Blair, vice president of patient assessment, 3M Infection Prevention Division. “From major metropolitan areas to our most remote regions, 3M™ Littmann® products are providing the tools to break through the sound quality barrier and redefine the nature of patient care.”

The Scope-to-Scope Software is paired with the Bluetooth®-enabled wireless Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, a next-generation auscultation device that allows a clinician across the globe to detect difficult-to-hear body sounds as clearly as if he/she were right there, performing the patient exam themselves.

The Littmann® Model 3200 features ambient noise reduction technology, which eliminates approximately 85 percent of distracting background noises without filtering out critical body sounds, sound amplification up to 24 times louder than a Littmann® cardiology grade stethoscope, frictional noise reduction technology that reduces handling sounds from the chestpiece, and extended sound range frequency. Paired with the high performing, reliable and comfortable Littmann® Model 3200, the easy-to-install Scope-to-Scope Software enables equal access to world-class patient care.

About 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes

3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes is a global leader in auscultation technology - providing innovative solutions to improve patient care. Littmann stethoscopes are trusted worldwide for precision, acoustic excellence, reliable design and exceptional performance, helping clinicians detect difficult-to-hear body sounds and improve patient outcomes. As part of the 3M Infection Prevention division, Littmann® Stethoscopes, with its people, products and processes, remains a trusted partner committed to helping healthcare personnel improve the ease of detecting difficult to hear body sounds and ultimately, improving patient outcomes. Learn more at www.3m.com/Littmann.

About 3M Health Care

3M Health Care, one of 3M’s six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help healthcare professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. Learn more at www.3m.com/healthcare.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms — often in combination — to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M and Littmann are trademarks of 3M.

For more information on 3M Littmann stethoscopes, please visit www.littmann.com.

For access to the 3M Littmann stethoscopes press kit for the 2010 AHA Scientific Sessions, please visit http://www.tradeshownews.com/events/AHA-Scientific-Sessions-2010/3MLittmann/

3MMary Kokkinen, 651-733-8806mckokkinen@mmm.comorFleishman-HillardDebra Hays, 612-573-3152debra.hays@fleishman.com