Heart stimulation device with electrotonic inhibition
AssigneeSorin Biomedica Cardio S.p.A.
InventorsGianni Plicchi, Bruno Garberoglio, Guido Gaggini, Emanuela Marcelli
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Abstract
Electrodes can generate electrical stimulation pulses at least one first intensity level and at least one second intensity level. The first and second intensity levels are above and below a given stimulation threshold, respectively. The synchronous or asynchronous delivery of second-level pulses enables the conduction of the atrioventricular node to be modulated by electrotonic effect, for example, to reduce ventricular frequency in the event of atrial fibrillation.
Claims17
An electrical heart-stimulation device comprising:
- first stimulator means for applying electrical stimulation pulses at a first intensity level;
- second stimulator means for applying electrical stimulation pulses at a second intensity level;
- the first and second intensity levels being above and below a stimulation threshold, respectively;
- and
- control means in electrical communication with the first and second stimulator means and capable of selectively controlling the generation of the stimulation pulses in the first and second stimulator means at the first intensity level and at the second intensity level.
An electrical heart-stimulation device comprising:
- a first electrode adapted to apply electrical stimulation pulses at a first intensity level;
- a second electrode adapted to apply electrical stimulation pulses at a second intensity level;
- the first and second intensity levels being above and below a stimulation threshold, respectively;
- and
- a processing unit in electrical communication with the first and second electrode, the processing unit capable of selectively controlling the generation of the electrical stimulation pulses in the first and second electrodes at the first intensity level and at the second intensity level.
A method of stimulating the heart, comprising:
- providing a processing unit in electrical communication with a means for detecting atrial fibrillation and with first and second electrodes;
- implanting the electrodes in the heart;
- providing electrical stimulation pulses to the heart from the first electrode above a stimulation threshold;
- and
- providing electrical stimulation pulses to the heart from the second electrode below a stimulation threshold, and
- wherein the electrical stimulation pulses are delivered in response to the detection of atrial fibrillation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.