Abstract: A technique of controlling operation of a user-adjustable cardiac pacemaker, or a software model thereof, in a training mode is described. A method implementation of the technique comprises generating at least one cardiac event by a feedback-based heart simulator, wherein the cardiac event includes a pulse parameter set defining at least a pulse amplitude. The method further comprises transmitting the at least one cardiac event, or a first signal representation derived therefrom, to an electro cardiogram, ECG, generator configured to generate ECG graphics triggering a user to perform, in the training mode, one or more user adjustments at the cardiac pacemaker or its software model. Further still, the method comprises transmitting the at least one cardiac event, or a second signal representation derived therefrom, to the cardiac pacemaker or its software model, and acquiring stimulus information on one or more stimuli generated by the cardiac pacemaker or its software model.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances within a biological conduit after the lumen wall has been scored by an eccentric scoring head. One embodiment comprises radial scoring with the eccentric scoring head, with a therapeutic agent coated balloon inflated distal to the scoring and dragged proximally through the scoring. Another embodiment comprises inflation of two anchor balloons on either side of scoring with subsequent inflation of a therapeutic agent coated balloon therebetween which causes the distance between anchor balloons to increase, thus stretching the scoring crevices while applying the agent therein with subsequent closure of crevices on deflation of anchor and application balloons. Another embodiment comprises an inflated anchor balloon with a threaded scoring device wherein the scoring members are coated with agent and rotation of the threaded device enables travel in the proximal direction away from anchor balloon.

Abstract: A sense amplifier includes at least two field effect transistors of identical conductivity type, each including a gate terminal, a source terminal, a drain terminal and a bulk terminal. The two field effect transistors are connected such that they are coupled back-to-back between a bit line and a reference line. The bit line is connected to a memory node via a selection transistor. The field effect transistors include bulk or substrate terminals formed in mutually insulated, different wells. The substrate bias voltages and thus the threshold voltages can be set independently via the body effect, so that the threshold voltages that are fundamentally different on account of stochastic effects in the different wells can be adapted to one another. Thus, compensating for the disadvantages that occur in conventional wells, on account of scattering effects during implantation or on account of mechanical stresses which act differently on transistors that are otherwise formed uniformly in the same well.

Abstract: The source area (3) is highly doped, like the channel area, for the same conductance type. The drain area (4) is doped for the opposite conductance type. This results in a saving of area since the source connection (S) can at the same time be used as the well connection or substrate connection.

Abstract: A releasable and stress-free securing assembly for an optical element (2, 3) positioned in a centered manner in a mount (1) is provided. The optical element (2, 3) is provided, in the border region which is to be retained, with a beveled surface (6) inclined in the direction of the mount (1). The mount (1) has a groove (4) which is open axially in front of the optical element (2, 3). A ring element (5) which is elastically deformable in the axial direction is pressed in between the beveled surface (6) and groove (4). The angle of inclination of the beveled surface (6) is between 40° and 50°. The boundary (11′) of the groove (4) in the region of the optical element (2, 3) is level with a bevel edge (8), which is oriented toward the mount (1), and the boundary (11) of the groove (4) in front of the optical element (2, 3) is undercut at an angle of from 10° to 15°. The depth of the groove (4) is greater than the radius of the ring element (5) by from 0.15 to 0.