Sensor-based regulation of excitable tissue control of the heart
AssigneeImpulse Dynamics NV
InventorsDavid Prutchi, Yuval Mika
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient. The method includes receiving signals from a sensor coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physical exertion by the patient. The signals are analyzed to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient, and excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation is applied so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic need.
Claims14
A method for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient, comprising:
- receiving signals from a sensor coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- analyzing the signals to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient;
- applying excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic need;
- and
- measuring the patient's actual heart rate, wherein applying the signals comprises comparing the actual heart rate to the metabolic demand and applying the stimulation responsive to the comparison.
A method for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient, comprising:
- specifying a trigger threshold heart rate and a turnoff threshold heart rate, which is substantially below the trigger threshold heart rate, thereby defining a hysteresis band intermediate the trigger and turnoff rates;
- monitoring the patient's heart rate;
- initiating excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle when the heart rate passes above the trigger rate;
- and
- suspending the ETC stimulation when the heart rate passes below the turnoff rate.
Apparatus for stimulating cardiac tissue in the body of a patient, comprising:
- at least one sensor, coupled to the body which generates signals indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- one or more electrodes, which are placed in contact with the heart;
- and
- an electrical control unit, which receives and analyzes the signals from the at least one sensor so as to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient and which applies excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation to the electrodes so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic demand,
- wherein the control unit monitors the patient's actual heart rate, compares the actual heart rate to the metabolic demand and applies the stimulation responsive to the comparison.
Apparatus for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient, comprising:
- one or more stimulation electrodes, which are placed in contact with the heart;
- and
- a control unit, which monitors the patient's heart rate, and which specifies a trigger threshold heart rate and a turnoff threshold heart rate, which is substantially below the trigger threshold heart rate, thereby defining a hysteresis band intermediate the trigger and turnoff rates, and
- which initiates application of excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation to the electrodes, so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle, when the heart rate passes above the trigger rate, and suspends the ETC stimulation when the heart rate passes below the turnoff rate.
A method for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient, comprising:
- receiving signals from a sensor coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- analyzing the signals to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient;
- and
- applying excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic need,
- wherein receiving the signals comprises receiving a signal responsive to respiration of the patient.
A method for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient, comprising:
- receiving signals from a sensor coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- analyzing the signals to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient;
- and
- applying excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic need,
- wherein applying the stimulation comprises controlling an intensity of the stimulation responsive to the metabolic demand.
Apparatus for stimulating cardiac tissue in the body of a patient, comprising:
- at least one sensor, coupled to the body which generates signals indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- one or more electrodes, which are placed in contact with the heart;
- and
- an electrical control unit, which receives and analyzes the signals from the at least one sensor so as to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient and which applies excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation to the electrodes so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic demand,
- wherein the sensor comprises a respiration sensor.
Apparatus for stimulating cardiac tissue in the body of a patient, comprising:
- at least one sensor, coupled to the body which generates signals indicative of physical exertion by the patient;
- one or more electrodes, which are placed in contact with the heart;
- and
- an electrical control unit, which receives and analyzes the signals from the at least one sensor so as to estimate a metabolic demand of the patient and which applies excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation to the electrodes so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the metabolic demand,
- wherein the control unit controls an intensity of the stimulation responsive to the metabolic need.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.