Littmann Classic II Spare Parts - The Essential Guide
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In November 2015, 3M brought out their Littmann Spare Parts Kit range for stethoscopes. Since then, we have been asked many times whether it is safe to change diaphragms, rims and earpieces yourself. The answer is a definite yes. To learn how to safely swap to your Littmann Classic II SE spare parts, read this guide and watch our video below.
Inside the ear tips are three small ridges which form the acoustic seal and hold the earpieces in place. To remove them, simply pull fairly hard on the earpieces while gripping the metal tubing.
[caption id="attachment_1332" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Eartips should click past all three ridges for a strong seal[/caption]
Once the original earpieces have been removed, take the replacement ear tips and push them onto the end of the tubing. Make sure they go on thin end first, pushing them until they cover all three ridges. Repeat for the other ear tip.
Replacing Littmann Classic II SE Tuneable Diaphragm
The tuneable diaphragm is a Littmann innovation that helps you to hear both higher- and lower-pitched sounds without having to change to an open bell. Unfortunately, over time the diaphragm can become damaged through the course of everyday use.
On a Littmann Classic II, the diaphragm is made of two separate parts, the diaphragm itself and the rim. The rim, which holds the diaphragm in place and provides an acoustic seal, comes off first.
To remove the rim, roll it down around the outside of the chest piece and then pull it off.
[caption id="attachment_1337" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Remove the rim by peeling it from around the chestpiece and then pull it up and off[/caption]
The diaphragm can now simply be peeled off.
[caption id="attachment_1343" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Removing the diaphragm of a Littmann Classic II stethoscope[/caption]
The replacement diaphragm and rim should be joined together as one piece. Centre the diaphragm-rim assembly over the chest piece and “pop†the rim on. Don’t let the rubber flange get caught in the rim (see below) as this will prevent a good acoustic seal and make it more difficult to perform effective auscultations.
[caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="300"] There should be an even seal all around the rim, unlike this.[/caption]
Replacing Littmann Classic II SE Non-Chill Bell Sleeve
Replacing the non-chill bell sleeve on a Littmann Classic II SE is incredibly easy. Simply pull the existing sleeve off the chest piece. You can use a fair amount of force to do this if you need to.
[caption id="attachment_1345" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Swapping the Non-Chill Rim with a Littmann Classic II Spare Parts Kit[/caption]
To replace the bell sleeve, put one part of it into position and then “roll†the rest of it on around the edge.
Upgrading Your Littmann Classic II SE Stethoscope
[caption id="attachment_1399" align="alignright" width="168"] The Littmann Classic III is a huge improvement in technology from the Classic II stethoscope[/caption]
If your Littmann stethoscope has become damaged and is outside of the 5-Year warranty that is standard with Classic II SE's, you might want to consider upgrading to a Classic III. The Classic III represents a huge improvement in technology over the Classic II SE. The most striking difference is that the chest piece features both adult and paediatric sides with tunable diaphragms, allowing you to simply switch between patients without needing another stethoscope.
The Classic III also features single piece diaphragms to improve the sensitivity and quality of sound that you can hear. This has the added benefit of make cleaning easier and improving infection control.
To learn more about the Littmann Classic III range of stethoscopes, visit the Classic III stethoscope page on our website or get in touch.
How to Fit Littmann Classic II SE Spare Parts – Video Guide
Watch our video for demonstrations of how to fit replacement parts for the Littmann Classic II stethoscope range.
In November 2015, 3M brought out their Littmann Spare Parts Kit range for stethoscopes. Since then, we have been asked many times whether it is safe to change diaphragms, rims and earpieces yourself. The answer is a definite yes. To learn how to safely swap to your Littmann Classic II SE spare parts, read this guide and watch our video below.
Eartips should click past all three ridges for a strong seal[/caption]
Once the original earpieces have been removed, take the replacement ear tips and push them onto the end of the tubing. Make sure they go on thin end first, pushing them until they cover all three ridges. Repeat for the other ear tip.
Remove the rim by peeling it from around the chestpiece and then pull it up and off[/caption]
The diaphragm can now simply be peeled off.
[caption id="attachment_1343" align="aligncenter" width="474"]
Removing the diaphragm of a Littmann Classic II stethoscope[/caption]
The replacement diaphragm and rim should be joined together as one piece. Centre the diaphragm-rim assembly over the chest piece and “pop†the rim on. Don’t let the rubber flange get caught in the rim (see below) as this will prevent a good acoustic seal and make it more difficult to perform effective auscultations.
[caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
There should be an even seal all around the rim, unlike this.[/caption]
Swapping the Non-Chill Rim with a Littmann Classic II Spare Parts Kit[/caption]
To replace the bell sleeve, put one part of it into position and then “roll†the rest of it on around the edge.
The Littmann Classic III is a huge improvement in technology from the Classic II stethoscope[/caption]
If your Littmann stethoscope has become damaged and is outside of the 5-Year warranty that is standard with Classic II SE's, you might want to consider upgrading to a Classic III. The Classic III represents a huge improvement in technology over the Classic II SE. The most striking difference is that the chest piece features both adult and paediatric sides with tunable diaphragms, allowing you to simply switch between patients without needing another stethoscope.
The Classic III also features single piece diaphragms to improve the sensitivity and quality of sound that you can hear. This has the added benefit of make cleaning easier and improving infection control.
To learn more about the Littmann Classic III range of stethoscopes, visit the Classic III stethoscope page on our website or get in touch.
