PubMed · 5195123
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J Sheahan. 1969-08-08. Common observations.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5195123/
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Auscultation of the lungs has been a central element in clinical examination since the early part of the nineteenth century. However, the role of the stethoscope in our diagnostic work-up has more and more been challenged by newer diagnostic equipment. Research carried out over the last 30 years has given us new knowledge about the physical basis of lung sounds and the meaning of the sounds. Electronic stethoscopes and computer-based analysis of digital lung sounds are now available. Lungs auscultation findings should be interpreted with caution and be related to the case history and other clinical findings.
The year 2000 marked the 300th anniversary of the birth of Gerard Van Swieten (1700-1772). He reformed medicine in Vienna, putting new emphasis on diagnosis based on clinical observation in combination with anatomical-pathological findings. This led to the introduction by Leopold Auenbrugger (1722-1809) of percussion in the examination of thoracic organs. However, further work by Joseph Skoda (1805-1881) was required to finally establish this method as a diagnostic tool for pathologies in the thorax. The surgeon Franz Schuh (1804-1865) carried out further basic research in respiratory physiology that cleared the way for the use of percussion and auscultation in thoracic surgery. He is also remembered for introducing experimental surgery in Austria, thus making surgery a science. This article aims to recall these men and their fundamental work behind early paracentesis of the thorax, and especially the first successful pericardiotomy by Schuh 160 years ago, which is also considered a milestone in cardiac surgery.