Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implanatable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.

Abstract: Patients may operate a CPAP system to deliver appropriate airway pressure at their home. A patient's apnea problem ca be diagnosed at home without supervision with a CPAP device which delivers a continuously minimum appropriate pressure for substantially the entire period of therapy.

Abstract: A biophysical sensor including a sound vibration sensing element (12) to produce a sensed output, and two or more separate signal processing paths to process the sensed outputs to produce output signals. The output signals may reflect specific frequency bands within the raw biological signal. In a further aspect the invention concerns an electronic stethoscope in which the sound vibration sensing element (12) is a PVDF membrane, the signal processing involves an operational amplifier (OP amp) (10) connected to the PVDF membrane, and a unity gain buffer amplifier is connected to the output of the OP amp to allow the connection of headphones directly to the sensor output.

Abstract: Patients may operate a CPAP system to deliver appropriate airway pressure at their home. A patient's apnea problem can be diagnosed at home without supervision with a CPAP device which delivers a continuously minimum appropriate pressure for substantially the entire period of therapy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses both a method of operating CPAP apparatus, and the apparatus itself in which a breathable gas delivery device, or mask (1), is connected to a gas supply pump (14) via a conduit which includes a restriction to gas flow such as a small bore portion (3). A pressure transducer (11) is used to sense the gas pressure at the patient's nose and the transducer output is used to servo-control the pump (14) to maintian the sensed pressure substantially constant.

Abstract: Patients may operate a CPAP system to deliver appropriate airway pressure at their home. A patient's apnea problem ca be diagnosed at home without supervision with a CPAP device which delivers a continuously minimum appropriate pressure for substantially the entire period of therapy.

Abstract: Patients may operate a CPAP system to deliver appropriate airway pressure at their home. A patient's apnea problem ca be diagnosed at home without supervision with a CPAP device which delivers a continuously minimum appropriate pressure for substantially the entire period of therapy.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a foetus over a period of time. The device includes an electrocardiograph for receiving and processing signals generated by the foetal heart and received from an electrode attached to the abdomen of the mother. The device also includes a second signal receiving and processing means for signals generated by a pressure or acceleration detector that is also attached to the abdomen of the pregnant mammalian animal. The pressure detector produces signals representative of the sounds of foetal heartbeat. The device also includes a comparator means to compare the respective sets of signals, and output means to produce an output indicative of the comparison between the two sets of signals.

Abstract: A mask and harness assembly (10). The assembly (10) includes a mask (12) a harness (14) including at least one strap (16) connected to the mask (12) and at least one fluid delivery tube (18) connected to, and in fluid communication with, the mask (12). The strap(s) (16) and the tube(s) (18) being adapted to locate the mask (12) at a predetermined location on the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting and recording the snoring of a patient. The device comprises a piezoelectric sensor, placed below a sleeping patient on a mattress, which generates signals representative of the sub-audible vibrations of the patient's airway which are present during a snore. The signals generated by the sensor can be amplified by an amplifier and processed by a signal processing circuit. The sensor can also generate signals representative of the patient's breathing cycle and general movement of the patient. The signal processing circuit can be adapted to discriminate the signals generated by the sensor and then output these signals for analysis. The output can be used to determine the presence of snoring by the patient and the snoring pattern can also be used to detect episodes of obstructive sleep apnea.