Experiences with a videoconference system in heart murmur screening

In this study the reliability of a videoconference system in heart sound screening has been evaluated. The videoconference system equipped with a compatible electronic stethoscope and a phonocardiographic recording system was used in cardiological consultation. Heart murmurs were transmitted through the videoconference system using standard sound coding methods. The cardiologist recorded and analyzed the sounds with a PC-based recording system. The subjective sound quality of the transmitted heart murmurs corresponded to bedside listening. In all cases the diagnose (innocent/pathological) could be given during the teleconsultation meeting. In one case, suspected as innocent, a pathological murmur caused by a mild subaortic stenosis and aortic coarctation was detected lending to further operation. The authors conclude that a videoconference system with a suitable sound transmission equipment is a rapid and reliable tool in heart murmur screening