title: Now that we have pulse oximeters and capnographs, we don't need precordial and esophageal stethoscopes.
abstract: One clinician argues that precordial and esophageal stethoscopes are obsolete. Current technology, including pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, and capnography, is both easier to use and more accurate. Another clinician argues that these stethoscopes have an important place in safe patient management. They are an inexpensive but effective extension of the anesthesiologist's own senses.
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D004947:Esophagus; D006326:Heart Auscultation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006347:Heart Sounds; D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide