Method and apparatus for delivering multi-directional defibrillation waveforms

A medical device for delivering a pulse waveform to a target site of a patient, comprising:

• an energy storage device storing electrical energy;
• a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the energy storage device;
• a plurality of switching elements coupled to the plurality of electrodes;
• and
• control circuitry, coupled to the plurality of switching elements, selectively switching the plurality of switching elements between a first state and a second state to direct discharge of the stored energy to be simultaneously output at selected electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to generate discrete sequential resultant output pulses across multiple pathways, the discrete sequential resultant output pulses generating a multi-directional waveform at the target site, wherein the multi-directional waveform has a duration approximately equal to 8.3 ms.

A method of delivering a pulse waveform to a target site of a patient, comprising:

• sensing cardiac signals;
• identifying a predetermined rhythm in response to the sensed signals;
• and
• simultaneously switching a plurality of switching elements between a first state and a second state to direct discharge of stored energy to be simultaneously output across multiple electrode paths to generate discrete sequential resultant output pulses in response to the identified predetermined rhythm, the discrete sequential resultant output pulses forming a multi-directional waveform at the target site, wherein the multi-directional waveform generates a stimulation field that rotates stepwise in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction.

A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method, comprising:

• sensing cardiac signals;
• identifying a predetermined rhythm in response to the sensed signals;
• and
• simultaneously switching a plurality of switching elements between a first state and a second state to direct discharge of deliver stored energy to be simultaneously output across multiple electrode paths to generate discrete sequential resultant output pulses in response to the identified predetermined rhythm, the discrete sequential resultant output pulses forming a multi-directional waveform at the target site, wherein the multi-directional waveform generates a stimulation field that rotates stepwise in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction.

An implantable medical device, comprising:

• means for sensing cardiac signals;
• means for identifying a predetermined rhythm in response to the sensed signals;
• and
• means for simultaneously switching a plurality of switching elements between a first state and a second state to direct discharge of stored energy to be simultaneously output across multiple electrode paths to generate discrete sequential resultant output pulses in response to the identified predetermined rhythm, the discrete sequential resultant output pulses forming a multi-directional waveform at the target site, wherein the multi-directional waveform generates a stimulation field that rotates stepwise in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction.