Abstract: A method for language enhancement, including receiving text, identifying grammatical constructs within the text, and suggesting at least one alternate text portion for at least one original portion of the text, the alternate text portion being consistent with the grammatical constructs of the original portion and having substantially the same meaning as the original portion but conveying a different impression. Apparatus is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method enable the enrichment of sentences according to a specified style. The enrichment is based on the analysis of documents having the specified style and the sentence is then revised accordingly.

Abstract: A method for language enhancement, including receiving text, identifying grammatical constructs within the text, and suggesting at least one alternate text portion for at least one original portion of the text, the alternate text portion being consistent with the grammatical constructs of the original portion and having substantially the same meaning as the original portion but conveying a different impression. Apparatus is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A surgical implement particularly useful for implanting a prosthetic valve in an excised annulus includes a manually grippable handle, and a suture retainer carried by the handle and having an outer face carrying a coiled spring whose coils define an annular array of slits each having opposed yielding surfaces for receiving and releasably retaining sutures between selected coils. Optimum spacing of the sutures according to the shape of the excised annulus is attained by providing reference ribs between selected coils of the spring, and also by making the outer annular face of the suture retainer of substantially the same shape as that of the excised annulus. Implements are described, with a suture retainer and without a suture retainer, including an illuminating device for artificially illuminating the working area. Also described is a method of implanting a prosthetic valve in a quick and efficient manner using such implements.

Abstract: A surgical implement for use in suturing an annular part of a first organ to a second organ around an opening in the second organ includes a holder including a handle graspable by a user, and a stem insertable into the annular part of the first organ; and an inflatable balloon carried by the stem dimensioned such that in the deflated condition of the balloon the balloon and stem are insertable into the annular part of the first organ, and in the inflated condition of the balloon the balloon firmly engages the inner surface of the annular part of the first organ to hold it during suturing thereof to the first organ. One embodiment is described for use in coronary bypass surgery, and a second embodiment is described for use in valve replacement surgery.

Abstract: A surgical implement particularly useful for implanting a prosthetic valve in an excised annulus includes a manually grippable handle, and a suture retainer carried by the handle and having an outer face carrying a coiled spring whose coils define an annular array of slits each having opposed yielding surfaces for receiving and releasably retaining sutures between selected coils. Optimum spacing of the sutures according to the shape of the excised annulus is attained by providing reference ribs between selected coils of the spring, and also by making the outer annular face of the suture retainer of substantially the same shape as that of the excised annulus. Embodiments are also described including an illuminating device for artificially illuminating the working area. Also described is a method of implanting a prosthetic valve in a quick and efficient manner using such an implement.