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# Covestro delivers new solution for in-home electronic stethoscope
- URL: https://med-techinsights.com/covestro-delivers-new-solution-for-in-home-electronic-stethoscope/
- Published: 2026-01-21T14:56:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-22T07:57:26.000Z
- Description: Together, heart and lung diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for more than 20 million deaths each year, many of which are preventable, according to the World Health Organization. These statistics highlight the need for accessible, preventative healthcare tools that empower
- Author: Oliver Johnson
- Tags: Medical Device Manufacturing, News, Materials

Together, heart and lung diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for more than 20 million deaths each year, many of which are preventable, according to the World Health Organization. These statistics highlight the need for accessible, preventative healthcare tools that empower people—particularly those facing barriers to traditional care—to take control of their health.

[**Korion Health**](https://www.korionhealth.com/?ref=med-techinsights.com)’s new electronic stethoscope, SoundHeart, featuring Makrolon 2458 polycarbonate from [**Covestro**](https://www.covestro.com/en?ref=med-techinsights.com), increases access to heart and lung screening by overcoming obstacles such as distance, cost and physician availability. Designed for use by individuals without medical training, the device enables users to record heart sounds from home and transmit the data to healthcare providers anywhere. This innovation is especially impactful for people in remote or underserved communities.

“This device is more than a product—it’s a movement toward inclusive healthcare,” said Anna Li, Korion Health co-founder and joint MD-PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. “It’s designed to empower individuals to own and understand their health data and participate actively in their care.”

Startup Korion Health developed SoundHeart in collaboration with Bally Design, which selected the Makrolon 2458 polycarbonate for its biocompatibility, impact resistance, aesthetics, and ability to meet tight tolerances and dimensional stability needed for a device that can withstand frequent handling and exposure to moisture.

Its versatility allowed Bally Design to use a single material for both opaque and translucent components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. Covestro also supported the project by providing material options that had already undergone rigorous testing and certification.

Hellbender, a Pittsburgh-based computer vision and robotics company, played an important role in bringing the device to life, leading the electrical engineering design and manufacturing.

The team prototyped the internal electronics and initial foam model, then optimized the sound quality through acoustic testing and microphone design, implementing creative solutions like sealing environmental gaps to reduce sound interference.

“For decades, the medical community has relied on our materials and expertise to deliver life-enhancing solutions,” said Emily Shaffer, Healthcare Market Manager, Americas-Engineering Plastics, Covestro LLC. “We’re proud to support a project that empowers people to play an active role in their health.”

The project began at the University of Pittsburgh’s Makerspace during the Pitt Challenge Healthcare Hackathon in 2021 and has since grown into a community driven effort, supported by local incubators, investors, and partners, including winning the 1M USD Hult Prize in 2024\. The device is expected to be available globally following receipt of FDA 510(k) clearance