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The Eko Windows application is available for download from Eko’s website: https://www.ekohealth.com/download-windows-app
Click on “Download the Eko Windows App” to initiate the download. The latest version will always be listed. A dialogue box will appear on your screen requesting permission to install the Eko Windows Application. Click on ‘Install’ as seen below.
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Installing the Eko Windows Application for single users or for all users
It is recommended that Windows Administrators choose to install for all users within a system
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Enabling Automatic Updates
When Eko releases updates, they will be downloaded when users subsequently open the Eko Windows Application. If this setting is not selected during the installation process, users will need to update the Eko Windows Application manually by re-downloading it from the Eko website.
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Installation
Clicking “Install” completes the download and installation process, which may take several seconds. The Eko Windows Application will then be accessible as a desktop shortcut following installation.
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Double click the Eko Windows Application icon to launch the application.
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Using either the site credentials or a personal login (determined and provided by the designated Eko Administrator at your institution). Eko advises that users sign in to the Eko Windows application to ensure that they can access any of the premium features, like Live Stream, that they have access to.
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Once signed in, the username will be visible in the top right of the Eko Windows application. Users can also sign out to allow for other users to access their Eko account as needed. Users will typically remain signed in between sessions, allowing for easier access to premium features.
DUO (left): Turn on by pressing and holding the action button for two seconds, the LED will blink which means that the device is searching for a Bluetooth Connection.
CORE (right): Turn on by moving the toggle to ON- the light will flash WHITE
On the Eko windows application, select the BLUE Eko devices button (below left)
Once the device you want to use appears in the menu, click it to pair. For DUO: The LED will turn from flashing to solid with a successful connection. For CORE: the light will turn solid WHITE. *NOTE: If you are using the 3M Littmann CORE Digital stethoscope, select “Eko Devices” to pair. If using the Littmann 3200, select “Littmann Devices.”
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To initiate a Live Stream session, the clinician with the patient will need to be signed in with the applicable Eko username. They can then switch the ‘Live Stream’ button from OFF to ON (located at the bottom of the screen next to the volume slider). Toggling to ON activates a Live Stream URL, which enables the telehealth consultant located remotely to access the audio feed.
The telehealth provider at the patient location can share the Live Stream URL to one or more telehealth consultants located remotely by selecting “Copy Live Stream link”. This will copy the URL to the clipboard of the Windows device, which can then be pasted into any secure EHR chat, email, or video conferencing messaging system.
Sharing the Live Stream URL via Email
The telehealth provider at the patient location can also share the Live Stream URL to a telehealth consultant via email by selecting “Email Live Stream link”. This will direct the user to a screen where an email can be entered and sent securely to the telehealth consultant
Bluetooth connection: The Eko CORE and DUO all connect to compatible software programs via Bluetooth and are subject to the limitations of most other Bluetooth devices. If users are experiencing poor connectivity (frequent disconnections, latency, or disruptions in transmission of the wave forms) attempt the following:
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Even a human hand or body may disrupt the connection
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For many Windows 10 users, the Eko stethoscope can likely connect with the Native Bluetooth of that PC, and no USB dongle will be needed.
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Going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Bluetooth
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Users may need to update the Bluetooth drivers for their PCs or for the USB dongle that they are using in order to obtain optimal performance. This may be especially pertinent if users have recently updated the version of Windows that their PC is running
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Check that Bluetooth has been turned On for that PC. This can likely be searched from the respective system’s Settings menu.
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Ensure that there is a clear line of sight between the stethoscope and the PC the user is attempting to connect and stream from.
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Limit the physical distance between the stethoscope and the PC the user is attempting to connect and stream from.
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Use the appropriate USB dongle intended for connection with the Eko stethoscope.
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Some Windows 10 users may find that Bluetooth connection is more reliable when using a USB dongle.
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Windows 10 users may be able to resolve connectivity issues by:
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Windows 10 will automatically detect if there is a problem with the Bluetooth and attempt to solve the issue
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Update the Bluetooth drivers
Poor waveforms: If users are experiencing waveforms within the app that have artifact or are smaller than desired, Eko advises:
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Alter the positioning of the device. Certain anatomical locations or positioning may provide better waveforms and ECG tracings.
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Follow the steps to improve Bluetooth connectivity. If the Bluetooth connection is disrupted that will affect graphing of the waveforms.
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Ensure that the Live Stream feature has been toggled “On” in the Eko app and that you have solid waveforms coming through on your screen to confirm successful pairing. If the feature is “OFF”, the provider will not be able to listen to your device.
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Adjusting your local volume from the device or the app will not impact the listening provider’s experience, only yours. The listening provider should adjust the volume from their browser or on their local machine as needed.
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The stethoscope can be turned “OFF” during the assessment as needed to confer with the listening provider over the video platform used. *Please note that turning the stethoscope “OFF” will end the data transmission; if the stethoscope is turned back “ON” it should auto-pair with the Eko mobile applications (users of the Eko Windows software may need to connect the device again directly) and restart the Eko Live Stream session.
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If you are experiencing audio feedback, it could be helpful to briefly mute the video conference microphone during auscultation. That way, the listening provider can continue to instruct on stethoscope placement as needed. When bi-directional conversation is needed again, remember to unmute.
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Once the assessment is concluded, the provider can turn the Eko stethoscope OFF and close the Eko app until the next visit.
LBL 269, Rev B, Jan 28, 2022