Dr. Littmann's Legacy
When the first stethoscope was invented by French physician René Laënnec in 1816, it was simply a rolled-up paper tube that funneled sounds from his patients’ chest to his ear. It was not until the early 1960s that Dr. David Littmann, M.D. (1906-1981) would patent a revolutionary new stethoscope design that was lighter, more convenient to carry and use, and had vastly improved acoustical performance.
In this timeline, see how Dr. Littmann’s legacy has provided medical professionals like you with consistent high acoustic performance, as well as enhanced comfort for your patients.
The Cardiology Stethoscope is introduced, featuring improved acoustic performance, and more. Improvements continued over the decades.
The Cardiology Stethoscope is introduced, featuring improved acoustic performance, and more. Improvements continued over the decades.
3M™ patents Tunable Technology which enables users to hear high or low frequency sounds without repositioning the stethoscope chest piece.
3M™ patents Tunable Technology which enables users to hear high or low frequency sounds without repositioning the stethoscope chest piece.
Many stethoscopes received upgrades as technology advanced. The Classic II Pediatric, Cardiology III, and Lightweight II S.E. were some of them.
Many stethoscopes received upgrades as technology advanced. The Classic II Pediatric, Cardiology III, and Lightweight II S.E. were some of them.
The 3M™ Littmann® Classic III Stethoscope was introduced, featuring longer-lasting tubing that had improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol.
The 3M™ Littmann® Classic III Stethoscope was introduced, featuring longer-lasting tubing that had improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol.
3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV Stethoscopes were introduced during 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes’ “50 Years of Listening” anniversary, featuring improved ergonomics and construction.
3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV Stethoscopes were introduced during 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes’ “50 Years of Listening” anniversary, featuring improved ergonomics and construction.
In April 1967, 3M™ acquired Dr. Littmann’s company, Cardiosonics. Dr. Littmann would then work as an adviser to help further develop his invention.
In April 1967, 3M™ acquired Dr. Littmann’s company, Cardiosonics. Dr. Littmann would then work as an adviser to help further develop his invention.
View stethoscopes in the 3M™ Littmann® range
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3M™ Littmann® Cardiology Series
Sturdy, refined, and designed for superior acoustic performance.
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3M™ Littmann® Classic Series
Compact, sensitive and lightweight, it’s perfect for general physical assessments and diagnoses.
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3M™ Littmann® Lightweight Series
The lightest adult stethoscope in the range. Suitable for basic assessments.
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3M™ Littmann® Electronic Series
Enhanced amplification and noise reduction for high-performance auscultation of critical sounds.
Find out where you can purchase a 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope online here.
3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes
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