I read with interest and amusement the paper by William Hanley and Anthony Hanley1 and the subsequent comments by David Leak2 and John Campbell3 regarding the wearing of the stethoscope. My stethoscope has a rather heavy head end and when I carried it in the traditional (T, or U) manner I found it to exert undue pressure against one or other (or both) carotid sinus(es) when it slipped on my neck. Rather than wearing it draped around my neck in the cool (C) position, I carry it draped over my left shoulder, which I shall now call the S position. Benefits of this style are that it is seen from behind as well as from the front and it helps one maintain an erect posture.
Signature
Edward A. Petrie
Anesthesiologist Fredericton, NB
References
- 1.Hanley WB, Hanley AJG. The efficacy of stethoscope placement when not in use: traditional versus “cool.” CMAJ 2000;163(12):1562-3. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 2.Leak D. The stethoscope at ease [letter]. CMAJ 2001;164(6):747-8. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 3.Campbell JD. The stethoscope at ease [letter]. CMAJ 2001;164(6):748-9. [PMC free article] [PubMed]