Method and apparatus for providing ipselateral therapy background
AssigneeMirowski Family Ventures, L.L.C.
InventorMorton MOWER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided to control contraction of the heart. At least one sensing element receives signals indicating electrical activity of sinus rhythm of the heart. The electrical activity is monitored and analyzed to detect an event. In addition, the electrical activity is monitored to detect, for example, premature stimulation and contraction of a portion of the heart, such as the left ventricle. Contraction in the pre-excited portion of the heart is then suppressed using electrical pulses. The heart may then be allowed to contract naturally, or a stimulating pulse may be applied to assist the heart in contracting.
Claims8
A method of controlling contraction of a heart, comprising:
- receiving signals indicating electrical activity of sinus rhythm at a first portion of the heart;
- detecting an event in the electrical activity at the first portion of the heart;
- detecting electrical activity at second portion of the heart at a predetermined period of time following the event;
- and
- applying to the second portion of the heart an electrical stimulation that repolarizes the second portion of the heart to a voltage less than a threshold sufficient for contraction if a magnitude of the spurious electrical activity reaches a predetermine threshold, wherein the electrical stimulation is applied prior to the depolarization of the second portion.
An apparatus for controlling contraction of a heart, comprising:
- means for receiving signals indicating electrical activity of sinus rhythm at a portion of the heart;
- means for detecting an event in the electrical activity at the portion of the heart;
- means for detecting when the electrical activity at an second portion of the heart reaches a threshold within a predetermined period of time of the event;
- and means for suppressing contraction in the second portion of the heart based on when the electrical activity reaches the threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.