Abstract: A bioprosthetic valve comprising a support ring having three spaced apart end stops projecting upwardly therefrom, a stent post ring having three spaced apart stent posts pivotally connected thereto and adapted to engage respective ones of the end stops so as to permit outward pivoting of the stent posts and to prevent inward pivoting thereof, a leaflet valve having three generally triangular leaflets defining respective cusps, the leaflets being joined at respective commissures, and a sewing ring for attaching the leaflet valve to the stent post ring and support ring.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe to direct ultrasound waves to and to receive reflected ultrasound waves from a target volume of a subject under examination. The ultrasound probe is swept over the target volume and the reflected ultrasound waves are conveyed to a computer wherein successive two-dimensional images of the target volume are reconstructed to form a three-dimensional image of the target volume. The three-dimensional image is displayed on the monitor of the computer. A user interface allows a user to manipulate the displayed image. Specifically, the entire displayed image may be rotated about an arbitrary axis, a surface of the displayed image may be translated to provide different cross-sectional views of the image and a selected surface of the displayed image may be rotated about an arbitrary axis. All of these manipulations can be achieved via a single graphical input device such as a mouse connected to the computer.

Abstract: A cardiac mapping system simulator comprising a microprocessor for simulating the electrical signal propagation of a heartbeat as it moves across the surface of a heart. A series of impulses that mimic the electrophysiological waveform are generated forming a two-dimensional map depicting heart activity. The series of pulses are generated in accordance with predetermined patterns and applied to the inputs of a cardiac mapping system or electrophysiology (E.P.) lab equipment in order to assess the operating condition of the cardiac mapping system or E.P. lab equipment prior to use on patients.

Abstract: A magnetic field alarm detector comprised of a plurality of magnetic field detectors mounted in a horizontal plane for detecting respective rotational components of a magnetic field and in response generating respective signals proportional thereto. Each of the detectors is mounted at a predetermined angle with respect to adjacent ones of the detectors, thereby encompassing a 360-degree field of view. Circuitry is included for rectifying and summing the respective signals received from the detectors and in response generating an output signal. Additional circuitry is provided for comparing the output signal to a predetermined set-point signal and in the event the output signal is greater than the set-point signal generating one or both of an audible and visual alarm signal. The alarm indicator of the present invention is particularly useful for measuring high magnetic field strengths for preventing accidental malfunctioning of sensitive medical equipment such as infusion pumps, ventilators, etc.