Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus detects separation of a return electrode of the electrosurgical apparatus for cutting and coagulating an organic tissue from a patient. An impedance detecting section detects a contact impedance between the return electrode and the patient and generates an impedance detection signal corresponding to the contact impedance. A first discrimination section discriminates if the impedance detection signal generated by the impedance detecting section falls within a normal range of the contact impedance having predetermined upper and lower limits after the electrosurgical apparatus is powered on. When the first discrimination section detects that the impedance detection signal lies in the normal range, a storage section stores the then impedance detection signal as a reference signal.

Abstract: A leadwire harness system is used for recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The system includes a set of leadwires each having a nichrome wire helically wound on a bundle of glass or other high strength fibers and surrounded by an insulating jacket to provide for uniformly distributing the high resistance within each leadwire so that the eddy currents generated by the rapidly changing magnetic field are greatly reduced. The set of leadwires are twisted within a surrounding tube of foam insulation. The reduction of the eddy currents dramatically reduces MRI image distortion as well as the potential for localized heating and skin burns under the ECG electrodes used with the harness system.

Abstract: A system for delivering low pain cardioversion shocks to the heart wherein the system provides a waveform to the heart that is biphasic and has rounded leading and trailing edges. The rounded leading and trailing edges are believed to decrease the discomfort experienced by the patient. In one embodiment, the circuit has a two capacitors connected in parallel with each other and with an H-bridge. The two capacitors are connected via a switch that can be closed so as to simultaneously charge one capacitor from the other while simultaneously applying voltage to the H-bridge. The circuit also includes a dump resistor that can be connected in parallel with the capacitors so as to increase the rounding of the trailing edges of the waveform. In another embodiment, controllable switches can also be included so as to be able to connect the capacitors in series and apply a sharp peak defibrillation waveform to the heart.

Abstract: A video-signal processing device is connectable to an electronic endoscope designed to output at least one kind of video signal, and comprises a character-information signal producer for producing a character-information signal on the basis of character-code data, and an adder for adding the character-information signal to the video signal outputted from the electronic endoscope, whereby the video signal carrying the character-information signal is fed outside from the device. When the endoscope further outputs a control signal in response to a turning-ON of a function switch thereof, the device comprises a memory for storing fixed character-code data; and a memory-reader for reading the fixed character-code data from the memory in response to the control signal outputted from the endoscope. The character-information signal producer produces a fixed character-information signal on the basis of the fixed character-code data read from the memory.

Abstract: The invention protects circuits connected to low energy stimulating (pacing) or detection (sensing) electrodes of an implantable medical device from high energy pulses generated by the device itself or by external devices such as external defibrillators. It also protects cardiac tissue near the low energy electrodes. The invention provides for an automatic and/or foldback-type unidirectional current limiter in each low energy lead. The invention, when applied to an implantable defibrillator/pacemaker, also provides a shock generator presenting pulses to the pacing electrodes only in the direction blocked by the current limiter.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generator has an active electrode output connector and a return current connector, the generator providing an electrosurgical current at the active electrode output connector, and including a fault detection circuit for monitoring the proper operation of the generator. An active electrode is connected to the active electrode output connector for receiving the electrosurgical current from the generator and applying the electrosurgical current to a patient. A patient return electrode provides capacitive coupling with the skin of a patient. A patient return electrode cable is electrically connected to the patient return electrode. An interface module is electrically connected to the return current connector of the generator and to the patient return electrode cable for permitting return of the electrosurgical current from the patient to the generator via the patient return electrode and the patient return electrode cable.

Abstract: The noise received by the unused connectors limits the accuracy of a device for measuring the leakage from a piece of electronic medical equipment. To reduce noise the device is surrounded by a Faraday shield which encloses unused connectors of the device. The shielded connector includes a post having a transverse hole near its distal end. A coil spring surrounds the post end and is connected to the Faraday shield of the device. An insulated retainer prevents the distal end of the coil spring from extending beyond the end of the post. The retainer is compressed against the coil spring to expose the transverse hole when a lead is to be attached to the connector.

Abstract: A patient isolation device is used as a safety device to provide electrical insulation between medical electronic equipment and portions of the equipment which come in contact with the patient. In one implementation of the patient isolation device, an RF coil is incorporated in a catheter connected to medical electronic equipment which tracks the position of the catheter. Typically, there is also medical imaging electronics to provide internal images of the subject along with an indication of the location of the catheter. Typically, the signal from the RF coil is provided to a preamplifier to amplify the signal. The isolation device is placed between the RF coil and the preamplifier such that MR response signals may pass through to the preamplifiers but in the event of a short or electrical malfunction the line voltage will not pass backward into the RF coil causing damage to the patient.

Abstract: An epilator probeholder for a replaceable, flexible, insulated epilator probe including a length of coaxial cable, and a coaxial capacitor structure for holding the epilator probe. The coaxial capacitor structure has an inner female connector and an outer conductive shell, the coaxial cable inner conductor is connected to the inner female connector for holding the flexible probe, and the coaxial cable outer conductor is connected to the outer conductive shell. The inner female connector is insulated from the outer conductive shell, the other end of the coaxial cable is connected to a standard coaxial connector, and the impedance seen at the input of the standard coaxial connector is standardized.

Abstract: A sensor device intended to be implemented at the vicinity or inside a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, and more particularly on a patient inside the canal of the magnet of a magnetic resonance imager (MRI). The device includes at least two non-metal electrodes intended to be applied to the skin of a patient, and an electro-optical conversion, amplification and filtering module for the electric signals received from the heart by the electrodes. The module is arranged in a shielded casing forming a Faraday cage, and optically connected to a display and/or monitoring apparatus. A support body made of non-magnetic material carries the electrode and the shielded casing containing the module.

Abstract: A medical current limiter protects medical electrodes and associated diagnostic apparatus from overcurrents. The medical current limiter includes first and second external terminal connections and first and second cascade circuits, each formed of a pair of n-channel field effect transistors and a p-channel field effect transistor consecutively connected in series between one of the first and second external terminals and a low value resistor. The p-channel field effect transistor and one of the n-channel field effect transistors connected thereto in each cascade circuit have a pinch-off voltage of less than 0.7 volts.

Abstract: In an external cardiac defibrillator (8), a method and system for determining when a relay (22) has failed in a conductive state. The defibrillator (8) includes a charge circuit (14) that charges an energy storage capacitor (C) to a predetermined voltage. The relay (22) is closed to direct a defibrillation pulse from the energy storage capacitor to a patient (25) needing ventricular therapy. The relay (22) is then opened following application of the defibrillation pulse. A monitor circuit (18) monitors the voltage on the energy storage capacitor. If the measured voltage across the energy storage capacitor (C) is less than or equal to a threshold value after a predetermined delay, the relay (22) has failed. If the measured voltage exceeds the threshold value, the relay (22) is operating correctly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus to facilitate feeding of electric signals, achieved in a defined area of medical electric environment, to and from auxiliary equipment, specifically a so called Personal Computer (PC), without the necessity that such auxiliary equipment fulfill the requirements necessary for use within the area of medical electric environment.

Abstract: A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention protects circuits connected to low energy stimulating (pacing) or detection (sensing) electrodes of an implantable medical device from high energy pulses generated by the device itself or by external devices such as external defibrillators. It also protects cardiac tissue near the low energy electrodes. The invention provides for an automatic and/or foldback-type unidirectional current limiter in each low energy lead. The invention, when applied to an implantable defibrillator/pacemaker, also provides a shock generator presenting pulses to the pacing electrodes only in the direction blocked by the current limiter.

Abstract: A medical system having an endoscope probe intubated into a body, a signal processing circuit for processing a signal for the probe and an electric source circuit insulated from a commercial electric source. A part of the signal processing circuit connected to the probe is isolated by an isolation circuit to secure the safety. An impedance element is employed to prevent a malfunction by reducing an emission/permeation of noises. No adverse influence is thereby exerted on outside units.

Abstract: A defibrillation insulating device insulates the heart from the body. This forces current to flow through the heart without passing through surrounding tissues, thus increasing the current density throughout the heart, to depolarize the majority of the cardiac tissue with a minimum of energy.

Abstract: A monitor for the return electrode of electrosurgery apparatus has three contacts in a socket that connect with two or three contacts on a plug connected to the return electrode. One pair of contacts in the socket is connected across an oscillator that provides an output to a first primary winding of the transformer when there is a low impedance between the contacts.

Abstract: An implantable medical system, having an implanted therapy-generating apparatus which administers a medical therapy in vivo to a treatment site remote from the therapy-generating apparatus, includes at least one optical conductor connected between the therapy-generating apparatus and the tissue at the treatment site, or an additional implantable medical device. Energy and/or information can be transmitted by optical signals using the optical conductor, in a safe and noise-free manner. Each location at which the optical signals are to be transmitted or received is provided with an optoelectrical converter, or an electro-optical converter, as appropriate.

Abstract: A current sensing device enables sensing the current being delivered from a source to a load at a medical implement connected to the distal end of a primary conductor connected between the source and the load in situations wherein distributed capacitance between the primary conductor and a return path to the source prevents a measurement of current at the source end of the primary conductor from being an accurate measurement of the delivered current. The current sensing device includes a reference conductor which is located beside and is preferably twisted together with the primary conductor along the length thereof and which is connected to the medical implement load through a resistor at the load of a value such as to effectively electrically isolate the reference conductor from the load.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator has a charging circuit which charges a capacitance, electrodes for delivering energy from the capacitance to a heart, and a switching stage for discharging the capacitance through the electrodes and across heart tissue to defibrillate the heart, as needed. A non-inductive current limiter is connected in vivo in the discharge path for limiting the current supplied to the heart tissue to predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: A current sensing device enables sensing the current being delivered from a source to a load at a medical implement connected to the distal end of a primary conductor connected between the source and the load in situations wherein distributed capacitance between the primary conductor and a return path to the source prevents a measurement of current at the source end of the primary conductor from being an accurate measurement of the delivered current. The current sensing device comprises a reference conductor which is located beside and twisted together with the primary conductor along the length thereof but which terminates short of, and is not connected to, the medical implement load, and a subtractor for subtracting the current flowing through the reference conductor from the total load current flowing to the medical implement so as to offset the effect of the distributed capacitance and to thereby produce a current measurement corresponding to the delivered current.

Abstract: An accessory device for dissipating electrical energy from a surgical device is provided. The electrical energy is induced on the surgical device when a charge-inducing instrument, e.g. an unipolar electrocautery device, is energized in proximity thereto. The induced energy is dissipated by conveying the energy along an electrically conductive coating adhered to a housing of the device to an energy dissipation region.

Abstract: Apparatus and electrical circuitry are provided for electrical devices in order to provide electrical isolation of exposed electrical contacts on at least one of multiple modules of the electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one actuating component in one module and at least one sensor component within a second module in electrical communication with electrical circuitry, whereby electrical isolation of the exposed electrical contacts ceases when the sensor apparatus senses a desired location of the module. Placement of the apparatus and electrical circuitry to reside within the modules promotes electrical safety while minimizing tampering with safety aspects of the device. The apparatus and circuitry are useful for medical devices such as handheld diagnostic devices and consumer devices such as telephones.

Abstract: Apparatus and electrical circuitry are provided for electrical devices in order to provide electrical isolation of exposed electrical contacts on at least one of multiple modules of the electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one actuating component in one module and at least one sensor component within a second module in electrical communication with electrical circuitry, whereby electrical isolation of the exposed electrical contacts ceases when the sensor apparatus senses a desired location of the module. Placement of the apparatus and electrical circuitry to reside within the modules promotes electrical safety while minimizing tampering with safety aspects of the device. The apparatus and circuitry are useful for medical devices such as handheld diagnostic devices and consumer devices such as telephones.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory disposed within electrically powered medical equipment is described. The non-volatile memory may be preprogrammed to store utilization limits and parametric data for the equipment. An external control module may be programmed to store the utilization history for the equipment in the non-volatile memory on an on-going basis. The control module compares the utilization limits and utilization history during each use, and disables the equipment if a utilization limit is exceeded. The control module may also use the parametric data stored in the non-volatile memory to regulate the power supplied to the equipment.

Abstract: A conductive cannula assembly is disclosed to dissipate possible, accumulated electrical charges through body tissue. The cannula assembly includes cannula housing means and cannula means formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention also includes cannula assembly accessories formed of a material having an electrical conductivity value which is at least fifty percent the conductivity value of silver. The invention further provides a method for guiding endoscopic instruments into body tissue utilizing the cannula assembly and the cannula assembly accessories of the present invention.

Abstract: An optical transdermal link. The interface consists of two modules. An internal module is placed just inside the skin, and an external module is placed just outside the skin and facing the internal module. The external module is connected to a host processor via high speed serial lines. The external module contains one or two laser diodes with drivers, and one photodetector with preamplifier. The internal module contains a photocell array to provide power for itself, a photo detector, preamplifier and a clock recovery circuit for detecting the incoming signal, and a laser diode and driver for the outgoing signal. The internal module also contains modulation/demodulation and neural interface circuits peculiar to the specific application.

Abstract: An ionizer for the ionization of oxygen during any type of oxygen therapy. The ionizer contains an ionizing unit inside a housing. The housing has a grounded contact safety screen mounted thereon by means of a conducting metal ring and a high-ohmic resistor. A glass flask is mounted or screwed onto the housing to serve as a connection between the face mask and the ionizer. The housing has a projecting socket enclosed in a conducting metal cylinder connected to the high-ohmic resistor. The ionizing unit includes ionizing needles located directly adjacent the contact safety screen. Sufficient ionization of oxygen occurs without the production of ozone.

Abstract: A pacing artifact detection apparatus and method uses a high bandwidth isolation amplifier having low harmonic distortion, high linearity, wide dynamic range, low current leakage, dc coupling, bipolar and high voltage isolation characteristics in conjunction with a high frequency operational amplifier to drive biopotential signals across an isolation barrier at high frequencies with no distortion. The speed of transmission across the isolation barrier is sufficiently high to allow diagnostics and analysis on the pacing artifact being transmitted across the isolation barrier without adversely impacting the reliability of the pacing artifact detection.

Abstract: In a defibrillator with an electrocardiographic monitor which monitors electrocardiographic signals induced at electrodes by means of a preamplifier and supplying the signals to an electrocardiographic signal processing circuit through high-pass filters, the dynamic range of a preamplifier is made wider in accordance with the amplitude of a polarization voltage which is developed when a defibrillator is operated. A high-pass filter is formed of a first high-pass filter which operates in a normal state and a second high-pass filter whose blocking frequency is higher than that of the first high-pass filter so that the polarization voltage is attenuated without erasing the electrocardiographic signals. The second high-pass filter is operated in synchronization with the operation of the defibrillator during a time period corresponding to the time period in which the polarization voltage is generated.

Abstract: Apparatus and electrical circuitry are provided for electrical devices in order to provide electrical isolation of exposed electrical contacts on at least one of multiple modules of the electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one actuating component in one module and at least one sensor component within a second module in electrical communication with electrical circuitry, whereby electrical isolation of the exposed electrical contacts ceases when the sensor apparatus senses a desired location of the module. Placement of the apparatus and electrical circuitry to reside within the modules promotes electrical safety while minimizing tampering with safety aspects of the device. The apparatus and circuitry are useful for medical devices such as handheld diagnostic devices and consumer devices such as telephones.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: An optical transdermal link. The interface consists of two modules. An internal module is placed just inside the skin, and an external module is placed just outside the skin and facing the internal module. The external module is connected to a host processor via high speed serial lines. The external module contains one or two laser diodes with drivers, and one photodetector with preamplifier. The internal module contains a photocell array to provide power for itself, a photo detector, preamplifier and a clock recovery circuit for detecting the incoming signal, and a laser diode and driver for the outgoing signal. The internal module also contains modulation/demodulation and neural interface circuits peculiar to the specific application.

Abstract: In order to prevent a person handling a defibrillator during manufacture and in conjunction with implantation of the defibrillator from receiving an electrical shock due to a fault, a protective arrangement is provided for the defibrillator. This protective arrangement is in the form of a plug part detachably connectable to the defibrillator housing and having terminal pins engaging into the connecting sockets of the defibrillator which is present for receiving the electrode leads. The terminal pins produce an electrically conductive connection in the sockets and are directly connected to one another inside the plug part via an electrical resistor. In case of a fault, the high-voltage energy generated between the connecting sockets is harmlessly absorbed in the resistor.

Abstract: A suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: A transducer for medical monitoring comprises a box (73) which contains a floating section, a non-floating section and a transformer or optical coupler for converting a floating signal into a non-floating signal. The box (73) provides a non-floating signal to an associated monitor. The common-mode rejection ratio is drastically improved, so that electrode gel between the reference electrode and the patient, and possibly even the reference electrode itself, may be omitted.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: To obtain optical one-way transmission of bioelectrical potential differences between electrodes placed on a patient and the evaluation apparatus, one of the electrodes placed on the patient is designated as the reference electrode. The potentials of all the other electrodes are referred to this electrode, and the signals derived from the potential differences so obtained are amplified, multiplexed, converted analog/digital and transmitted in coded form. At least one of the potential differences recorded by the evaluation apparatus is derived from the difference between two transmitted signals. The number of signals transmitted can thus be less than the number of potential differences recorded. This process is particularly useful for transmitting electrocardiogram signals (ECG signals) to an ECG apparatus which produces twelve standard derivatives. The optical transmission can also be performed by an optical fibre.

Abstract: An electrocardiograph system which enables safe data transfer with high reliability between a portable electrocardiograph and a recorder, such as a printer, and in which an effect of leakage magnetism is taken into consideration. In the electrocardiograph system, electrical signals and/or electric power are transferred between the electrocardiograph and the recorder by electro-magnetic coupling therebetween using independent coils. The electrocardiograph system is further provided with a device for rejecting noise of an electric power signal from the electrical signals or noise of an electrical power signal and a clock signal from a data signal.

Abstract: Electrosurgery equipment has an alarm circuit for detecting when a return plate electrode is incorrectly attached. Capacitive dividers are connected between ground and each of the power supply line to the active electrode and the power supply return line from the plate electrode. The outputs of the capacitive dividers are supplied to the two inputs of a differential amplifier which provides an output to one input of a comparator. Another input of the capacitor is connected to a reference source. When the output of the differential amplifier rises above the reference source, the comparator produces an alarm signal which inhibits the power supply and gives an audible alarm.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: A medical apparatus comprises an electrical medical apparatus for use with an endoscope connectable thereto and adapted for at least one a diagnostic and medical treatment; at least one electrical non-medical apparatus including a line cord and a plug, which is used in association with the electrical medical apparatus; and an isolating transformer apparatus isolating a patient from electrical shocks from the electrical medical apparatus used together with the electrical non-medical apparatus. The isolating transformer apparatus is connectable by an authorized person to a commercial power supply and is connected to the line cord and plug of the electrical non-medical apparatus. The electrical medical apparatus is connectable to the commerical power supply.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac deibrillator is provided having a battery, capacitive means, means coupled to the battery for charging the capacitive means, and means for coupling the capacitive means to a patient's heart, for delivering a high voltage shock to the heart. Current leakage from the capacitive means is detected. If the current leakage exceeds a predetermined amount, charging of the capacitive means is terminated. In one embodiment, voltage at the patient is directly sensed. In another embodiment, the voltage across a resistance located in series with the patient is sensed. In another embodiment, a test charge is provided for a short interval. The capacitive means is sensed to determine excessive loss of energy after the test charge. If excessive loss of energy is determined, charging is terminated.

Abstract: A wireless low-frequency medical treatment device having a sending section for sending various data for low-frequency medical treatment and a pulse applying section for receiving the above data, for generating a low-frequency pulse corresponding to the data and for applying the pulse on a living body, the device being characterized in that the pulse applying section comprises a plurality of pulse applying bodies to be pasted on the living body; a low-frequency pulse generating device for generating a low-frequency pulse to be supplied to the pulse applying bodies in accordance with data sent from the sending section; a detecting device for detecting that at least one of the pulse applying bodies comes off from the living body; a pulse stopping device for stopping generation of the low-frequency pulse when the detecting device detects that at least one of the pulse applying bodies comes off from the living body; and a pulse recovery device for increasing a potential of the low-frequency pulse gradually from a

Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus for measuring biological information by contacting a probe with a living body or inserting the probe into the living body includes a biological information detecting circuit for electrically detecting biological information, and a biological information processing circuit for digitally processing the biological information detected. Exchange of signals between the biological information detecting circuit and biological information processing circuit is performed in an electrically isolated state. Preferably, the apparatus is equipped with a first power supply circuit for supplying power solely to the biological information detecting circuit, and a second power supply circuit for supplying power to the first power supply circuit, wherein supply of power from the second power supply circuit to the first power supply circuit is performed in an electrically isolated state.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis device includes an ultrasonic oscillator, contained in a probe which can be inserted into a blood vessel, which can vary direction of transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves to receive an echo signal from the wall of the blood vessel thereby calculating information about the inner and outer walls of a blood vessel and obtaining cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of a blood vessel and the like.

Abstract: An automatic smoke evacuator activator system and method are disclosed preferably for use with a laser surgical apparatus which utilizes a smoke evacuator system for removing smoke and toxic fumes from the area serviced by the smoke evacuator system and a switch coupled to the laser surgical apparatus for turning on the laser cutting beam of the laser surgical apparatus and to the smoke evacuator system for simultaneously turning on the smoke evacuator system when the laser cutting beam of the laser surgical apparatus is turned on. Other features include the switch having a switch position to turn off the smoke evacuator system and the laser cutting beam of the laser surgical apparatus. A time delay is coupled to the switch for time delaying the turning off of the smoke evacuator system. In one embodiment, a transmitter and a receiver are used to control the operation of the swtich by using an infrared beam between the transmitter and receiver that is acted upon by the switch.

Abstract: Improved ambulatory heart data monitoring and recording apparatus and method are described. The apparatus provides a power partitioning and management circuit that enables the extended, continuous ECG monitoring of an ambulatory patient's cardiovascular performance and selective recording of arrhythmic events that transpire during such extended monitoring, wherein the circuit supplies reduced, unregulated DC power to potentially volatile data storage circuit elements in the event of the failure of the primary DC power source. An improved method validates QRS complexes by determining, during a learning period, characteristic criteria of the individual patient's QRS waveform most representative of a valid QRS complex as opposed to motion or other artifacts, and thereafter uses such learned criteria in heart rate monitoring.