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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 27, 1998
included in Summit Medical Systems, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997 and to all references to our firm included in this registration
statement.



                                              /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 10, 1998