Implantable intravenous cardiac stimulation system with pulse generator housing serving as optional additional electrode
AssigneeCardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
InventorsRobert Hauser, Roger Dahl, Bruce KenKnight
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described is an implantable pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator circuitry. The housing is formed of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which may be connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering electrical energy to the heart. A programmable switch operable by the pulse generator circuitry is provided to discharge electrical pulses between selected electrodes and the conductive pulse generator housing in accordance with whether a first or second cardiac condition is detected.
Claims20
An apparatus, comprising:
- a lead having proximal and distal electrodes for disposition near the heart;
- an implantable pulse generator including pulse generator circuitry for delivering electrical pulses to the heart;
- wherein the pulse generator circuitry includes cardiac detection circuitry for detecting cardiac conditions based upon cardiac rhythm;
- a conductive pulse generator housing enclosing the pulse generator circuitry;
- a programmable switch operable by the pulse generator circuitry to discharge electrical pulses between selected ones of the proximal and distal electrodes and the conductive pulse generator housing in accordance with whether a first or second cardiac condition is detected.
A method comprising:
- sensing cardiac activity in order to detect a first or second cardiac condition;
- and,
- operating a programmable switch so that an electrical pulse is delivered between selected ones of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductive housing enclosing pulse generator circuitry in accordance with whether a first or second cardiac condition is detected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.