Abstract: To determine the heat output efficacy of a heating device such as a convective warming blanket, a conduit structure is constructed to have coiled metal tubings that form the head, torso and other non-moving parts of a person analog. Flexible tubings interconnect the metal tubings to establish a continuous conduit between an inlet and an outlet of the structure, so that a fluid having a particular heat capacity may flow uninterrupted through the conduit structure. Respective temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet measure the input and output temperatures of the fluid. Using the flow rate, the heat capacity and the respective temperatures of the fluid measured at the inlet and outlet, the heat output efficiency of the blanket may be calculated. A FLIR camera may be used to obtain an IR image to confirm the heat output efficiency of the blanket.

Abstract: Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder. In one aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and a more rigid connector. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks, wherein the interior surface of the cutting block is made of a higher durometer material than the bracket. The interior surface of the cutting block can be coated with a higher durometer material than the material of the bracket. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks made of a higher durometer material than the flexible bracket.

Abstract: Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder. In one aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and a more rigid connector. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks, wherein the interior surface of the cutting block is made of a higher durometer material than the bracket. The interior surface of the cutting block can be coated with a higher durometer material than the material of the bracket. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks made of a higher durometer material than the flexible bracket.