Abstract: A medical device system determines and displays relative energy expenditure information for programmable parameter values. The system establishes a programmable parameter and multiple values of the parameter to be compared. A module performs a measurements for each of the multiple values and related to energy expenditure of a battery of an implantable medical device when operating according to each of the multiple parameter values. An energy expenditure for each of the values is computed using the measurements, and a graphical user interface is generated for displaying information corresponding to the computed energy expenditure for multiple parameter values.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for punctually stimulating nerve endings located in the region of the ears, said nerve endings extending to brain stem nuclei. The apparatus (1) has a support (2) which is to be positioned in the region of the neck or the upper arm of a patient, and which is provided with at least some of the electrically active structural components (4, 7, 13) of the apparatus (1) arranged for forming a therapeutic current, and which furthermore accommodates feed batteries (3) that deliver at least part of the operating power for the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker whose standard circuitry is used to trend a physiological cardiac parameter using intra-cardiac impedance measurements. The trend information may be used to predict the onset of a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event. By being able to predict the onset of an SCD event, patients and their physicians may be forewarned of a life-threatening event allowing them to respond accordingly. The trend information may also be used to predict the efficacy of cardiac-related medications, monitor progress of congestive heart failure, detect the occurrence of myocardial infarction, or simply track changes in sympathetic tone.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: The present invention is a game playing method and apparatus for automating games such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat and pai gow, wherein players may play continuously and asynchronously, and information related to advertised items can be exchanged between players and advertisers. In one embodiment, each instance of a game is likely unique from all other current game instances. The games do not require a manual dealer and in one embodiment, played in a gaming establishment using low cost gaming stations. The present invention may also be used to play such games on the Internet or an interactive cable television network wherein a game controller communicates with players at network nodes in their homes and at their leisure since there is no game tempo requirement. During a game, advertising is selectively provided by comparing player personal information with a desired demographic profile. Player responses to advertising are used for evaluating advertising effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uniquely position adjustable ophthalmic instrument support table for use in conjunction with an examining chair and a lighting system which allows the user to program the desired room lighting independently for each of several inputs such as instrument switches, examination lights or other electrical devices used during an ophthalmic examination. The ophthalmic instrument support table includes a base unit and a table top mounted to the base unit by support structure operates with an infrared control to allow four degrees of freedom to adjust the location of the table top with respect to both the patient seated in the chair and the doctor examining the patient on the opposite side of the table. The lighting control system allows one or two circuits of room lights to be adjusted in intensity and to have this adjustment automatically recalled to set the programmed room lighting condition upon activation of the input.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve holder includes a valve holder selectively attachable with a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle end, a flexible, medial segment, and a coupling member. The valve holder includes a valve coupling member and a handle receiving member. The valve coupling member may include a leaflet bias member, leaflet guards, or both. The handle receiving member includes locking tabs and receiving windows for receiving the handle coupling member. The handle receiving member also includes anti-rotation stays which serve to transfer rotational forces from the handle assembly to the valve holder. Also, alignment stays serve to properly align the handle receiving member with the coupling member so that the handle assembly and valve holder are properly coupled. The handle assembly is made from resterilizable materials so that the handle assembly may be reused. The valve holder is disposable.

Abstract: A rate responsive cardiac pacemaker for implantation in a patient utilizes a pair of sensors. One is an activity sensor responsive to movements of the patient for generating an electrical signal representative thereof. A preselected component of the electrical signal generated by the activity sensor detected in a frequency range below 4 Hz distinguishes true physical exercise by the patient from other movements of the patient. The second sensor is responsive to a preselected metabolic function of the patient's body, such as central venous blood temperature, to develop an output signal representative of the present state of physical exercise of the patient. In response to (i) variation of the detected component in the range below 4 Hz and (ii) the output signal of the second sensor indicative of confirmation or lack of confirmation of physical exercise, the pacemaker generates pulses at a rate that varies according to a combination of those two.

Abstract: A pacemaker which operates in an atrial synchronized modality when the sensed atrial rate is within a physiologic range and which paces at a sensor determined rate when the atrial rate is above or below the physiologic range.