text: Operating expenses were $15.3 million in 2003, compared with $14.5 million in 2002 and $16.0 million in 2001. The increase in operating expenses in 
  2003 from 2002 was primarily attributable to increased general and administrative (“G&A”) and selling (“Selling”) expenses. G&A expenses consist primarily 
  of salaries and other related expenses of administrative, executive and financial personnel and outside professional fees. The increase in G&A expenses in 
  2003 is primarily attributable to increased insurance costs, compensation and other taxes. The Company anticipates that G&A expenses are likely to increase 
  in the foreseeable future but at a rate less than the anticipated rate of increase in revenues. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, commissions and 
  other related expenses for sales and marketing personnel, marketing, advertising and promotional expenses. The increase in Selling expenses in 2003 is 
  primarily related to increased compensation costs and travel related expenses. The Company anticipates that Selling expenses are likely to increase in the 
  foreseeable future but at a rate less than the anticipated rate of increase in revenues. Research and development (“R&D”) expenses consist primarily of 
  salaries and other related expenses of the research and development personnel as well as costs associated with regulatory expenses. The Company anticipates 
  that R&D expenses will continue at the current level for the foreseeable future. The decrease in operating expenses in 2002 from 2001 was primarily 
  attributable to decreased G&A and Selling expenses partially offset by increased R&D expenses. G&A expenses for 2002 were $857,000 lower than G&A 
  expenses for 2001, primarily due to a decrease in amortization expense as a result of a reduction in goodwill amortization in 2002 due to the adoption of 
  SFAS No. 142 as discussed in Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Additionally, G&A expenses were lower in 2002 
  compared to 2001 primarily as a result of reduced depreciation and cost containment programs related to supplies, communication costs and professional 
  fees. The decrease in Selling expenses of $905,000 in 2002 from 2001 was primarily related to reduced outside services (primarily related to clinical 
  studies), reduced compensation costs and continuing cost reduction efforts. R&D expenses were $269,000 higher for 2002 compared with 2001. This 
  increase was primarily related to increased product development activities. 