Amsterdam-based startup Lapsi Health has just launched its AI-based stethoscope

Lapsi reboots the stethoscope with AI-driven features

Amsterdam-based startup Lapsi Health is set to revolutionise medical diagnostics with the launch of its AI-based stethoscope, Keikku. Despite the stethoscope being a primary tool in medical practice, it has remained technologically outdated. Lapsi aims to transform this traditional yet essential tool by harnessing sound through artificial intelligence. 

The human body has over 45 points for detecting internal sounds, which provide crucial health insights. Keikku brings wireless connectivity, precision active noise cancellation, and AI-driven features to enhance health auscultation (internal listening). 

It will uncover valuable health insights (including heart murmur detection, pending software updates) by transforming these sounds into digital biomarkers (a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition), enhancing diagnostic accuracy and accessibility and, in turn, improving the listening experience for medical professionals.

Amsterdam’s role in health-tech innovations

The recently published Philips Future Health Index 2024 report emphasises that timely access to care is essential for an effective healthcare system, but rising wait times and staff shortages pose challenges. AI and data insights offer solutions by enabling quicker diagnoses and treatment decisions. Lapsi’s Keikku is an example of AI creating healthcare technological support and innovation.

Amsterdam, where AI and medical advancements intersect. Home to renowned medical universities and research centres, the city acts as a living lab for breakthroughs in healthcare technology. Notable achievements include Amsterdam UMC's status as the first European hospital to complete a double wireless pacemaker operation, alongside companies like Kepler Vision and Healthsage AI securing millions in funding to advance MedTech through AI integration.