Method of and apparatus for multi-vector pacing artifact detection

Abstract

A technique for improving detection of the pacing artifact in patients having artificially paced myocardial contractions. The improved detection is accomplished by sensing all three commonly monitored EKG leads. Each lead is differentially amplified and rectified to produce a signal of absolute value. The resulting three signals are algebraically summed and differentiated. Because the pacing artifact consists of higher frequency components than the naturally occurring QRS complex, it can easily be detected by its much larger first derivative. Reliable detection of the artificial pacing artifact is extremely important in monitoring and programming implantable pacers. It is necessary to accurately determine whether a pacing pulse has been delivered and precisely measure the time of its occurrence.

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