Apparatus for detecting and treating ventricular arrhythmia
OwnerWard M. Browninventor
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Abstract
A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.
Claims11
A system for providing arrhythmia therapy to a patient comprising:
- an implantable pulse generator;
- a sensing circuit coupled to the implantable pulse generator;
- and
- a subcutaneous electrode array coupled to the implantable pulse generator to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient upon detection by the sensing circuit of an arrhythmia.
A method for treating patient arrhythmias, including the methods of:
- a) providing a subcutaneous pulse generator;
- b) providing a monitoring circuit to monitor the patient's cardiac signals for arrhythmias;
- and
- c) providing a subcutaneous electrode array to deliver electrical therapy to a patient.
A method of using a subcutaneously-placed pulse generator to treat arrhythmias, including the methods of:
- a) detecting an arrhythmia;
- and
- b) employing at least one subcutaneous electrode to deliver therapy based on the detected arrhythmia.
A system for delivering electrical energy to the heart of a patient, the system comprising:
- a subcutaneous pulse generator;
- at least one sensing electrode disposed on a surface of the pulse generator and positioned proximate to subcutaneous tissue;
- and
- at least one electrode array coupled to the pulse generator and positioned subcutaneously on the patient.
An apparatus for monitoring cardiac signals of a patient, comprising;
- a hermetically-sealed housing;
- sensing means included within the housing;
- and
- first and second electrode sets coupled to the sensing means, the first electrode set including at least one electrode adjacent to a surface of the housing positionable proximate subcutaneous tissue at a first location in the patient's body, and the second electrode set coupled to a connector on the housing and forming an electrode array subcutaneously positionable in the patient's body at a location different from the first location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.