Abstract: A portable data carrier (10) and a method (B1-B10), as well as a storage medium with instructions, for transferring data by means of a portable data carrier are provided. The portable data carrier comprises a carrier storage (12) for storing data containing a biometric template (13) and an application-specific function (15) as well as carrier communication means (11) for contactless receipt and transmission of data. The portable data carrier is characterised in that it further comprises carrier processing means (16) for comparing the biometric template with a biometric sample (23) received from an external arrangement (20), and that it is arranged to complete a handshake process with the external arrangement as well as perform the application-specific function and transmit a result of the same to the external arrangement, only if the biometric sample matches the biometric template.

Abstract: In a programmer for an implantable medical device, a method for operating and controlling a implantable medical device, and in a computer software product, a graphical representation of a quantity influenced by the operation of the medical device is displayed, and parameters relating to the control of the device are associated with portions of the graphical representation. When an operator selects and alters the shape of the displayed graphical representation to illustrate a desired operational effect of the medical device on the quantity, a value associated with the altered shape is automatically modified and communicated to the implanted medical device. The operator thus is able to select parameters on the basis of the intended effect, rather than setting parameter values and then observing the effect.

Abstract: A programmer for an implantable medical device includes a display which displays a graphical representation of an area of interaction of the medical device within a patient. The graphical representation includes at least one independently selectable graphical object. The programmer includes a unit for associating parameters or functions used in controlling the medical device with the object, so that when an operator, via the programmer, selects an object, the associated parameters or functions are displayed for consultation, modification or execution. By directly linking the programmable parameter or function with an image of the device and the surrounding parts of the patient's body, the clinician is immediately presented with a clear and understandable link between the parameters and a physical entity.

Abstract: Coatings comprising protein resistant components and therapeutic components on medical devices are disclosed. The coatings act to down-regulate complement activation. Medical devices can be coated with these coatings to prevent side effects and improve patency.

Abstract: In a method and circuit for monitoring an oscillator in a medical implant, a physiological parameter is obtained from a subject in whom the medical implant is implanted and an electric signal containing a time component, is generated based on the physiological parameter. The functioning of the oscillator is monitored using this electric signal to identify if the functioning of the oscillator deviates from a specified functioning of the oscillator.

Abstract: An acoustic horn has an acoustic impedance matched with impedances of an ear and a driver. The acoustic horn can be used in an electroacoustic transducer including the driver, and the acoustic horn. The electroacoustic transducer is particularly well-suited for use in portable device such as a radiotelephone, pager, or other device.

Abstract: Elutable coatings comprising protein resistant components and bioactive agent on medical devices are disclosed. The elutable coatings comprise labile linkers that can be cleaved under controlled conditions.

Abstract: Coatings comprising protein resistant components and therapeutic components on medical devices are disclosed. The coatings act to down-regulate complement activation. Medical devices can be coated with these coatings to prevent side effects and improve patency.

Abstract: An implantable heart stimulator comprises a pulse generator (3) for delivering stimulation pulses to the heart of a patient. An IEGM means (5) registers electric signals associated with the patient's heart. A classifier means (6) classifies received electric IEGM signals according to their waveforms in at least one segment of the cardiac cycle, and a control means (4) controls the pulse generator depending on the classification of the IEGM signals. A first filtering means is provided to extract parameters related to the patient's respiration from beat-to-beat variability in the IEGM signal classification while filtering away slow classification variability extending over several cardiac cycles. The control means is adapted to receive the respiration-related parameters to control the delivery of stimulation pulses from the pulse generator depending on these parameters.

Abstract: A programmer for an implantable medical device is described. It includes means for displaying a graphical representation of a quantity influenced by the operation of said medical device and means for associating parameters relating to the control of the device with portions of said graphical representation. When an operator selects and alters the shape of said displayed graphical representation to illustrate a desired operational effect of said medical device on said quantity, the arrangement responds to the altered shape by modifying the values of associated parameters accordingly. This enables an operator to select parameters on the basis of the effect intended, rather than setting parameter values and then observing the effect. The resulting system is thus not only more intuitive and thus easier to use for a medical practitioner, it will also be safer for the patient, since there is less likelihood of the operator programming unsuitable parameter values.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device operates according to a first pacing algorithm executable by a microprocessor and which is able to independently perform stimulation therapy for a patient's heart, as well as according to a second pacing algorithm which is also microprocessor-executable. The first and second algorithms actively generate stimulation parameters during each cardiac cycle, but the stimulation parameters generated by the second algorithm are only permitted to result in actual stimulation therapy if those parameters fall within parameter ranges that are calculated to be allowable for stimulation by the first algorithm.

Abstract: An implantable heart stimulator comprises a pulse generator (3) for delivering stimulation pulses to the heart of a patient. An IEGM means (5) registers electric signals associated with the patient's heart. A classifier means (6) classifies received electric IEGM signals according to their waveforms in at least one segment of the cardiac cycle, and a control means (4) controls the pulse generator depending on the classification of the IEGM signals. A first filtering means is provided to extract parameters related to the patient's respiration from beat-to-beat variability in the IEGM signal classification while filtering away slow classification variability extending over several cardiac cycles. The control means is adapted to receive the respiration-related parameters to control the delivery of stimulation pulses from the pulse generator depending on these parameters.

Abstract: A device for determining the respiration rate and/or respiration depth of a patient includes a sensor for sensing heart sounds and an analyzer for analyzing the variation of the amplitude of the sensed heart sounds to determine the respiration rate and/or respiration depth from this amplitude variation. An apparatus for monitoring the respiration of a patient includes such a device and the analyzer is arranged to determine an anomaly in the amplitude variation of the sensed heart sounds as an indication of a respiration anomaly.

Abstract: In a system for detecting changes in body posture, electrocardiograms are recorded. The recorded electrocardiograms analyzed are to determine changes in the body posture of a patient from changes in the morphology of the recorded electrocardiograms. The electrocardiogram analysis can be augmented by obtaining and analyzing an accelerometer signal as well.

Abstract: In a method for classifying IEGM waveforms in dependence of the workload of a patient, a predetermined number of IEGM-signals, each signal extending over at least one segment of one heart beat cycle, are registered, whereafter the IEGM-signals are fed to a neural network and an encoded form of the signals is formed using said neural network. This encoded form is stored in a memory, for use in classifying further registered IEGM-signals. In an active cardiac implant connectable to an implantable electrode arrangement adapted for in vivo delivery of stimulation pulses to a heart, IEGM signals present are obtained from one or more of the electrodes. A pulse generator connected to the electrode arrangement, generates and emits stimulation pulses with a variable stimulation interval between successive stimulation pulses.