Question: We’ve seen several instances where technology has enhanced the functionality of everyday objects in recent years. Wi-Fi-enabled outlets, smart refrigerators, and water bottles with Bluetooth are just a few examples that come to mind. Are there any examples of technology improving the function of traditional medical instruments? Montana Subscriber Answer: Yes, in recent years, several technology companies have discovered ways to enhance traditional medical instruments’ functionalities. For example, the smart stethoscope takes a healthcare provider’s essential tool and adds technology to expand the capabilities of the instrument. With sound amplification and adaptive noise suppression, providers can use the stethoscope to listen accurately and clearly to the patient’s body structures. Some models even allow you to hear infrasounds, which contain clinically important data. Plus, the stethoscope can create recordings for review after the patient encounter, and Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to share the recordings with colleagues or upload the recordings to HIPAA-compliant cloud storage. Additionally, several models are ready for, or are equipped with, artificial intelligence (AI). The AI algorithm can analyze recordings of the heart to detect murmurs in different regions of the heart. While helpful, the technology is intended to be a diagnostic aid only.