Abstract: An implantable medical device has a pressure sensing arrangement to measure right ventricular pressure of a heart including a pressure sensor adapted to be positioned in the right ventricle of the heart, to measure the pressure and to generate a pressure signal in response to the measured pressure. The pressure sensing arrangement also has a pressure signal processor and a timing unit. The processor determines from the pressure signal, using diastolic timing signals from the timing unit based on the pressure signal identifying the diastolic phase, a diastolic pressure signal representing the ventricular pressure only during the diastolic phase of the heart cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating heart rate variability of the heart of a person in order to forecast a cardiac event. A cardiac stimulator receives heart beat signals from the heart and determines a measurement of heart rate variability based on statistical data derived from the heart beat signals and sensing data derived from a sensor. This measurement of heart rate variability is compared with previously stored heart rate variability zones defining normal and abnormal heart rate variability. These zones are modifiable after the occurrence of a cardiac event. Once a cardiac event is detected, a pathway is computed which extends from a generally normal heart rate variability condition to an abnormal heart rate variability condition. Subsequent measurements of heart rate variability are compared with this pathway. Selective therapy regimes are initiated depending on the measurement of heart rate variability.

Abstract: A surgical tool for cutting and/or coagulating tissue includes a piezo-electric driver to generate ultrasonic energy including torsional mode vibrations. A waveguide is operatively connected at a proximal end to the driver and extends a distance of n&lgr;T/2, where &lgr;T is the wavelength of ultrasonic vibration in the material of the work horn or waveguide. A distal end of the waveguide is provided with a cutting and/or coagulating tool.