Israel-based medical device company, Tyto Care, has announced that its digital stethoscope has been granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. The stethoscope device will be part of Tyto Care’s advanced set of examination tools now being introduced to the telehealth arena.
At present, telehealth is somewhat limited because clinicians rely on phone or video conferencing only to examine and diagnose a patient, without the benefit of a physical exam.
By providing vital physical exam data, Tyto extends the reach of the clinician beyond the four walls of the clinic.
“For the first time we are making it possible to closely replicate, from home, a face-to-face visit to the doctor’s office,” said Dedi Gilad, CEO and co-founder of Tyto Care. “Tyto is providing the missing link that will help telehealth realize its full potential.”
Tyto Care says its devices allow examinations to be done in real time as part of a live video telehealth visit, or in advance of a telehealth session.
“By enabling a physical examination that virtually replicates an in-person visit, Tyto Care will greatly enhance the ability of school-based clinics, nurses, home health providers, patients and family caregivers to connect and share medical information,” said Karen S. Rheuban, Pediatric Cardiologist, Past President of the American Telemedicine Association, and Chair of Tyto Care’s Advisory Board.
“The use of digital technologies that support high quality remote examinations, when integrated into care delivery models that enhance access both within the context of the medical home and in other settings, promises to transform how patients are treated today.”
Tyto Care, located in Netanya, was founded by Gilad, Ofer Tzadik and industry experts in 2012. The company has received over $18 million in funding.