Abstract: In a multi-tier patient monitoring data analysis system, an algorithm server is positioned as a middle tier between an acquisition device, such as a cardiograph or patient monitor that can be seen as a lower tier, and a storage device for a database, such as that of a central computer for a hospital or clinic that can be seen as an upper tier. The algorithm server gathers current data from the real time acquisition device and obtains previously stored ECG signal data from the database. The algorithm server contains ECG analysis algorithm(s) and runs one or more algorithms using the current and previously acquired ECG signal data. Analysis algorithms may also be run on the acquisition device. The system provides the rapid, extensive, and thorough ECG analysis that is critical to patient welfare.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting cardiac repolarization abnormality using at least one electrocardiogram signal. The at least one electrocardiogram signal can be obtained from any number of continuous or non-continuous windows. The method can include deriving a total quantity of representative beats of the at least one electrocardiogram signal. At least one morphology shape descriptor can be used to determine a total quantity of values representing the total quantity of representative beats. Data corresponding to at least some of the total quantity of values can be used to assess cardiac repolarization abnormality.

Abstract: A device that calculates a sudden cardiac death score based on acquired patient data. A system and method that combines independent indications of sudden cardiac death to predict sudden cardiac death. The system can include various cardiology test systems interconnected to a sudden cardiac death prediction system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assessing a patient's cardiac vulnerability to sudden cardiac death. The method can include defining a relationship between depolarization and repolarization, determining a first value representative of the relationship for a first beat, determining a second value representative of the relationship for a second beat, and analyzing variation of the first value and the second value to assess the patient's cardiac vulnerability to sudden cardiac death.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing cardiac data acquired from a patient having an implant. The system can acquire non-implant cardiac data and implant cardiac data from the patient. The system can synchronize the non-implant cardiac data and the implant cardiac data and can correlate the non-implant cardiac data with the implant cardiac data to determine a cardiac condition of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing a patient's risk of sudden cardiac death. One method of the invention can include acquiring patient data at one of a plurality of healthcare locations, identifying the patient as being worthy of an on-going sudden cardiac death risk assessment based on the acquired patient data, and performing the on-going sudden cardiac death risk assessment whenever new patient data is acquired at any one of the plurality of healthcare locations.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a correlation between sleep apnea and sudden cardiac death. One embodiment of the method of the invention can include predicting sudden cardiac death in a patient being monitored for sleep apnea by acquiring respiration data and electrocardiogram data from the patient and analyzing the respiration data and the electrocardiogram data to determine a correlation between sleep apnea and sudden cardiac death.

Abstract: A method and device for absorbing microwave energy avoid the expense and bulk of prior art arrangements, and provide greater efficiency, by forming a flame in the path of the microwave and supplying a seeding substance into the flame to produce a plasma flame column which absorbs the microwave. The seeding substance is preferably an alkali salt solution, e.g. KNO.sub.3.