Abstract: The present invention is an outpatient monitoring system which enables patients to interact with a health care provider using a standard telephone. A patient is presented with a series of condition-appropriate questions. Based upon the patient responses, additional questions are posed on a real-time dynamic basis. In addition, certain general questions from a predefined set of questions are asked of the patient in a rotating manner to ensure that there is variety with each telephone session. Further, the question sets can be recorded in the voice of the patient's clinician, or other person familiar to the patient, so that a familiar voice is heard by the patient, thereby personalizing the medical experience.

Abstract: A method and structure for a radio frequency receiver coil adapted to be extended from a catheter. This coil comprises a flexible printed wiring board that has a first end and a second end extending from the opening in the catheter and a connection external to the catheter joining the first end to the second end to form a loop. The flexible printed wiring board also includes shielding circuitry (e.g., a Faraday shield) on the flexible printed wiring board. The first end is more flexible than the second end and the relative flexibility of the first end with respect to the second end causes the first end to take the shape of a round arc when extended from the catheter. In addition, insulator sections on the flexible printed wiring board define the shape of the loop. Independently moveable control rods are connected to the first end and the second end, to allow the first end to be extended further out of the opening than the second end (to form the loop).

Abstract: The present invention is an outpatient monitoring system which enables patients to interact with a health care provider using a standard telephone. A patient is presented with a series of condition-appropriate questions. Based upon the patient responses, additional questions are posed on a real-time dynamic basis. In addition, certain general questions from a predefined set of questions are asked of the patient in a rotating manner to ensure that there is variety with each telephone session. Further, the question sets can be recorded in the voice of the patient's clinician, or other person familiar to the patient, so that a familiar voice is heard by the patient, thereby personalizing the medical experience.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging cardiac patients to seek prompt medical attention upon the onset of symptoms of an AMI or other serious heart problems that can be identified by ECG's or other similar measurements is disclosed. A patient is prescribed a personal monitoring module that includes the necessary equipment to monitor one or more parameters (e.g., heart rate, ECG, etc), and which has the ability to automatically transmit or “push” the data relating to these parameters to a central server. The personal monitoring module utilizes a novel harness to automatically situate the ECG leads in proper positions, and can be operated in different modes so that it can be used for training purposes and for routine data gathering, as well as be used in emergent situations to, when appropriate, automatically alert appropriate medical personnel and initiate the process of obtaining medical assistance for the patient.

Abstract: A modified method of playing two casino-type card games, Twenty-One (Blackjack) and Stud Poker, where a player exercises the option to play either Twenty-One or Stud Poker upon receipt of their cards. To begin, players place an ante to be eligible to participate in the game of Twenty-One. Players may place a second optional ante making them eligible to participate in the game of Stud Poker. Each player and the dealer is dealt two cards, with at least one of the dealer's "community cards" turned face-up. Players evaluate their cards to determine which one of the two games they will elect to play. If the player determines the most beneficial method of play is Twenty-One then the player forfeits the second optional ante and is subject to the rules associated with the game of Twenty-One as it is commonly played. If the player determines the most beneficial method of play is Stud Poker then the player receives one additional card only, giving the player a total of three cards.