| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080215127 | Medical Electrical Lead Providing Far-Field Signal Attenuation - A bipolar pacing and sensing lead incorporates a range of active surface areas for each of the anode and cathode electrodes, and a range of inter-electrode spacings between the anode and cathode electrodes which, in combination, provide acceptable near-field signal amplitudes and attenuate the amplitudes of unwanted signals, such as far-field R-waves, far-field P-waves, and T-waves. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080234769 | SUBCUTANEOUS CARDIAC STIMULATION DEVICE PROVIDING ANTI-TACHYCARDIA PACING THERAPY AND METHOD - An implantable subcutaneous cardiac device includes at least two subcutaneous electrodes adapted for placement external to a heart beneath the skin of a patient. The device further includes an arrhythmia detector that detects a sustained tachyarrhythmia of the heart and a pulse generator that delivers anti-tachycardia pacing pulses to the subcutaneous electrodes in response to detection of a sustained tachyarrhythmia. The pacing pulses preferably have waveforms devoid of any exponential voltage decay and include rounded or substantially constant portions to minimize pain. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20090018595 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING MULTIPLE FILTERS TO DETECT T-WAVE OVERSENSING AND TO IMPROVE TACHYARRHYTHMIA DETECTION WITHIN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are described for detecting tachyarrhythmia and also for preventing T-wave oversensing using a narrowband bradycardia filter in combination with a narrowband tachycardia filter. In some embodiments, a separate wideband filter is also exploited. In one illustrative example, ventricular tachycardia (VT) is detected by: detecting a preliminary indication of VT using signals filtered by the bradycardia filter and, in response, confirming the detection of VT using signals filtered by the tachycardia filter. That is, the bradycardia filter, traditionally used only to detect bradycardia, is additionally used to provide a preliminary indication of VT. The tachycardia filter is then activated to confirm the detection of VT before therapy is delivered. In this manner, the tachycardia filter need not run continuously, but is instead activated only when there is some indication of possible VT, and hence power is saved. Numerous other exemplary techniques are set forth herein for arrhythmia detection and for T-wave oversensing detection. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090036788 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF VT AND VF FROM REMOTE SENSING ELECTRODES - Methods and systems are provided for performing ventricular arrhythmia monitoring using at least two sensing channels that are each associated with different sensing vectors, for example by different pairs of extracardiac remote sensing electrodes. Myopotential associated with each of the sensing channels in monitored, and a ventricular arrhythmia monitoring mode is selected based thereon (e.g., based on determined myopotential levels). Ventricular arrhythmia monitoring is then performed using the selected monitoring mode. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090177104 | System and Method for Distinguishing Among Cardiac Ischemia, Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Using an Implantable Medical Device - Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177105 | System and Method for Distinguishing Among Cardiac Ischemia, Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Using an Implantable Medical Device - Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090264950 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS HAVING SEPARATE POWER SOURCES FOR ENABLING DIFFERENT TELEMETRY SYSTEMS - An implantable medical device includes a first, short-range telemetry circuit; a second, long-range telemetry circuit; a first power system that powers the first telemetry circuit; and a second power system that powers the second telemetry circuit. The second power system includes an internal charging system and a rechargeable battery coupled to the internal charging system. The internal charging system may be configured for electromagnetic-inductive or RF-transmission coupling with an external charging system. A controller monitors the energy level of the rechargeable battery and provides an signal indicative of the level. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20100023083 | METHODS AND DEVICES INVOLVING AUTOMATIC ATRIAL BLANKING - During a period of time comprising a plurality of cardiac cycles, a time relationship between ventricular events and atrial detections is established. Based on the relationship, a post-ventricular atrial refractory period is defined. The period includes an absolute atrial refractory period and a segmented relative atrial refractory period, wherein the segmented relative atrial refractory period includes at least one blanking window during which atrial detections of ventricular events have or are likely to occur. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100069768 | USE OF CARDIOHEMIC VIBRATION FOR PACING THERAPIES - An exemplary method includes receiving a signal from an intrathoracic vibration sensor, analyzing the signal for vibration associated with deceleration of blood flow into the left ventricle, based at least in part on the analyzing, deciding whether to call for adjustment to one or more parameters of a bi-ventricular pacing therapy. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069778 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THORACIC FLUID LEVELS BASED ON IMPEDANCE USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for monitoring thoracic fluid levels based on thoracic impedance (Z | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100081952 | DETECTING ISCHEMIA USING AN IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICE BASED ON MORPHOLOGY OF CARDIAC PRESSURE SIGNAL - Methods and systems are presented for using an ICD to detect myocardial ischemia. One such method includes sensing via an implantable cardiac-rhythm-management device (ICRMD) a signal indicative of cardiac pressure; determining via a processor associated with the ICRMD, a derivative signal that is a first derivative of the sensed signal; measuring via the processor, a maximum positive value of the derivative signal; measuring via the processor, a maximum negative value of the derivative signal; and indicating via the processor, an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the maximum positive value to the maximum negative value with a predetermined value. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082087 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD/ELECTRODE DELIVERY MEASUREMENT AND FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A lead implantation system with an introducer, a lead configured to engage with the introducer such that the introducer can convey the lead to a desired internal target location, and at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an indicator of desired engagement of the system with the desired target tissue location prior to engagement of the lead with the target tissue. Also a method of implanting an implantable patient lead including advancing a lead implantation assembly towards a desired target location along an introduction axis and monitoring at least one indicator of lead implantation assembly position along the lead introduction axis. At least one indicator can be generated by the lead implantation assembly. Advancing of the lead introduction assembly can be halted when the monitoring indicates contact with the desired target tissue. The patient lead can then be advanced towards the target tissue and fixed to the target tissue. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100094371 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PAIRED/COUPLED PACING - A coupled/paired stimulus pulse is delivered to the heart at an inter-pulse interval following one of i) detection of an intrinsic depolarization or ii) delivery of a primary stimulus pulse. Capture resulting from the coupled/paired stimulus pulse is sensed for. In response to capture by a coupled/paired stimulus pulse, the inter-pulse interval is incrementally decreased by a first amount until there is no capture by a coupled/paired stimulus pulse. In response to no capture by a coupled/paired stimulus pulse, the inter-pulse interval is incrementally increased by a second amount greater than the first amount, until capture by a coupled/paired stimulus pulse is detected. Once capture is again detected, paired/coupled pacing is delivered at the inter-pulse interval which resulted in capture for a predetermined period of time or until loss of capture occurs. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100113944 | INTERPOLATING LEFT VENTRICULAR PRESSURES - Exemplary techniques and systems for interpolating left ventricular pressures are described. One technique interpolates pressures within the left ventricle from blood pressures gathered without directly sensing blood pressure in the left ventricle. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114235 | HYBRID BATTERY SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC THERAPY DEVICE - A system and method for powering an implantable cardiac therapy device (ICTD) uses a hybrid battery system. In an embodiment, the hybrid battery system includes of a first type of power cell and a second type of power cell. The first power cell is configured to power low voltage, low current background operations of the ICTD. The second power cell is configured to power high voltage, high current cardiac shocking. The second power cell is further configured to be charged by the first power cell via a continuous, non-regulated charging process, thereby reducing the complexity of the charging circuitry. The system is further configured so that when cardiac shocking is in progress, only the secondary power cell powers the shocking capacitor(s) of the ICTD, and the first power cell is electrically isolated from the shocking capacitor(s). This configuration contributes to longer battery life of the hybrid battery system. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114236 | HYBRID BATTERY SYSTEM WITH BIOELECTRIC CELL FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC THERAPY DEVICE - A system and method for powering an implantable cardiac therapy device (ICTD) via a hybrid battery system. The hybrid battery is comprised of a low voltage and low current bioelectric cell, a high voltage and high current rechargeable cell, and a charging means. Via the charging means, the bioelectric cell maintains the rechargeable cell at or near full power. The rechargeable cell is configured to power some or all operations of the ICTD. Some ICTD operations may be powered directly by the bioelectric cell. The rechargeable cell is further configured to be charged via a continuous charging process, reducing the complexity of the charging circuitry. In an embodiment, at least the bioelectric cell is external to the ICTD, enabling easy replacement of this power source. In an embodiment, a consumable anode of the bioelectric cell is external to the ICTD, enabling replacement of the power source by replacing only the anode. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100121394 | System and Method for Setting Atrioventricular Pacing Delays Based on Far-Field Atrial Signals - An intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay is determined by a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator based, at least in part, on far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular pacing/sensing leads. An atrioventricular pacing delay is then set based on the inter-atrial conduction delay. By detecting atrial events using ventricular leads, rather than using atrial leads, a more useful measurement of the intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay can be obtained. In this regard, since atrial electrodes detect atrial activity locally around the electrodes, a near-field atrial event sensed using an atrial electrode might not properly represent the actual timing of the atrial event across both the right and left atria. Far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular leads thus allow for a more useful measurement of inter-atrial conduction delays for use in setting atrioventricular pacing delays. The delivery of individual V-pulses to the heart of the patient may be timed relative to the ends of individual far-field atrial events. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121395 | System and Method for Setting Atrioventricular Pacing Delays Based on Far-Field Atrial Signals - An intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay is determined by a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator based, at least in part, on far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular pacing/sensing leads. An atrioventricular pacing delay is then set based on the inter-atrial conduction delay. By detecting atrial events using ventricular leads, rather than using atrial leads, a more useful measurement of the intrinsic inter-atrial conduction delay can be obtained. In this regard, since atrial electrodes detect atrial activity locally around the electrodes, a near-field atrial event sensed using an atrial electrode might not properly represent the actual timing of the atrial event across both the right and left atria. Far-field atrial events sensed using ventricular leads thus allow for a more useful measurement of inter-atrial conduction delays for use in setting atrioventricular pacing delays. The delivery of individual V-pulses to the heart of the patient may be timed relative to the ends of individual far-field atrial events. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121396 | ENHANCED HEMODYNAMICS THROUGH ENERGY-EFFICIENT ANODAL PACING - An implantable device may employ anodal-based cardiac stimulation to improve hemodynamics. Anodal pacing may be provided on a conditional basis (e.g., upon detection of a defined condition). An implantable device may provide anodal pacing or cathodal pacing according to a defined ratio. An implantable device may use automatic capture detection to determine a pacing energy level that provides effective anodal pacing while attempting to minimize the power consumption associated with the anodal pacing. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125305 | USE OF IMPEDANCE TO ASSESS ELECTRODE LOCATIONS - A process for determining whether the location of a stimulation electrode meets a selected heart performance criteria includes providing stimulation to the heart through the electrode and obtaining an impedance measurement during stimulation delivery using an impedance sensing vector formed by electrodes that do not include the stimulation electrode. The impedance measurements are processed, either alone or in combination with an electrogram, also obtained during stimulation, to obtain a measure of hemodynamic performance. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100210960 | PACING SCHEMES FOR REVEALING T-WAVE ALTERNANS (TWA) AT LOW TO MODERATE HEART RATES - Implantable systems that can monitor myocardial electrical stability, and methods for use therewith, are provided. Also provided are novel pacing sequences that are used in such monitoring. Such pacing sequences are designed to reveal alternans at low to moderate heart rates. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100228330 | LEAD CONFIGURED FOR HISIAN, PARA-HISIAN, RV SEPTUM AND RV OUTFLOW TRACT PACING - Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead for implantation within a right ventricle of a heart and powered by an implantable pulse generator. The lead includes a lead body having a proximal end configured to couple to the generator, a distal end, an electrode at the distal end, and a distal portion extending proximally from the distal end. When the distal portion is in a non-deflected state, the distal portion biases to assume a configuration including first, second and third generally straight segments and first and second bends. The first segment is proximal of the distal end, the second segment is proximal of the first segment, the third segment is proximal of the second segment, the first bend is between the first and second segments, and the second bend is between the second and third segments. When the distal portion is implanted in the right ventricle, the configuration is at least partially the cause of the electrode being at least one of: positioned against the right ventricle septum; positioned in the outflow tract of the right ventricle; positioned for Hisian pacing; and positioned for para-Hisian pacing. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100298670 | ELECTROLYTE MONITORING USING IMPLANTED CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A method for diagnosing an electrolyte level with a cardiac rhythm management device includes recording intra-cardiac electrograms from multiple sites. The method determines the electrolyte level based upon a comparative analysis of intra-cardiac electrograms recorded from at least two of the sites. The electrolyte level can be quantified based upon a general model, or a patient specific model. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100318148 | PAC THERAPY - An implantable cardiac device is programmed to detect and classify premature atrial contractions (PACs) and administer responsive pacing therapy. The responsive pacing therapy is in the form of an atrial extrastimulus, which is intended to preempt initiation of a reentrant tachycardia. The atrial extrastimulus is timed to occur late enough after a PAC to ensure atrial capture, but early enough that the resulting atrial depolarization does not conduct through the AV node to the ventricles if the PAC has already done so. If both of these criteria cannot be met, the device may be configured to inhibit the atrial extrastimulus. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100331921 | NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAME - A stimulation device that includes a housing, a neuro lead configured to be coupled to the housing and to be located proximate to a neurostimulation site of interest, a neuro pulse generator, in the housing, configured to generate multi-polar neuro modulation (NM) pulses for delivery by the lead to the neuromodulation site of interest and the neuro pulse generator generating the NM pulses utilizing a waveform, with the frequency components of the ICMD compatible waveform in a range of 0 to 225 Hz having substantially limited NM energy content to avoid interference with sensing operation of the ICMD. A method for managing a neuromodulation (NM) device to avoid interference with an implantable medical device (ICMD) providing an ICMD having electrodes configured based on ICMD sensing parameters that define an ICMD sensing frequency range, providing an NM device having NM electrodes to be located proximate a region of interest, the NM electrodes delivering NM pulses based on NM pulse parameters, setting at least one NM pulse parameter in a manner that limits an amount of NM energy content that propagates beyond an active area surrounding the site of interest within the ICMD sensing frequency range. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110004111 | ISCHEMIA DETECTION USING INTRA-CARDIAC SIGNALS - An implanted cardiac rhythm management device is disclosed that is operative to detect myocardial ischemia. This is done by evaluating electrogram features to detect an electrocardiographic change; specifically, changes in electrogram segment during the early part of an ST segment. The early part of the ST segment is chosen to avoid the T-wave. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110009754 | ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING CARDIOGENIC IMPEDANCE SIGNAL - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring a patient's arterial blood pressure. Electrode(s) implanting within and/or on the patient's heart are used to obtain a cardiogenic impedance (CI) signal indicative of cardiac contractile activity. Additionally, a signal (e.g., PPG or IPG signal) indicative of changes in arterial blood volume remote from the patient's heart is obtained using a sensor or electrodes that are implanted remote from the patient's heart. One or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT) are determined, where each metric can be determined by determining a time from one of the detected features of the CI signal to one of the detected features of the signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume. Based on at least one of the metric(s) indicative of PAT, arterial blood pressure is estimated, which can include determining values indicative of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and/or mean arterial blood pressure, and/or changes in such values. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009918 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110015690 | Neurostimulation and Neurosensing Techniques to Optimize Atrial Anti-Tachycardia Pacing for Prevention of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias - Implantable systems and method for use therewith are provided that take advantage of various neuromodulation and neurosensing techniques for either preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) or terminating AF. Specific embodiments are for use with an implantable device that includes one or more atrial electrode for sensing atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or delivering AATP and one or more electrode for monitoring and/or stimulating atrial vagal fat pads. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110060230 | DETERMINATION OF DIASTOLIC HEART FAILURE - An exemplary method includes detecting a change in state of a cardiac valve, detecting elongation of the left ventricle substantially along its major axis, determining a time difference between the change in state of the cardiac valve and the elongation of the left ventricle and, based at least in part on the time difference, deciding whether a diastolic abnormality exists. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110066028 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD TEMPERATURES DURING AN MRI PROCEDURE - Systems and methods are provided for detecting and responding to excessive heating of implantable medical device leads, such as leads used with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. In one example, a critical temperature is determined for the lead that is representative, e.g., of the temperature at which tissue damage might occur or pacing/sensing might be significantly impaired. A temperature threshold is then set based on the critical temperature by subtracting a predetermined safety margin. Lead temperatures are then sensed during the MRI procedure. The lead temperatures are compared against the threshold and suitable warnings are transmitted to an external monitoring system if lead temperatures exceed their thresholds so that the attending personnel can take corrective action. The implantable device may also be programmed to take corrective action, such as automatically changing pacing modes, adjusting pulse magnitudes or sensitivity values, etc. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110098546 | ASSESSING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BASED ON VENOUS OXYGEN SATURATION AND HEMATOCRIT INFORMATION - Methods for assessing, diagnosing and treating medical conditions using SvO | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110125206 | SINGLE CHAMBER IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR CONFIRMING ARRHYTHMIA THROUGH RETROSPECTIVE CARDIAC SIGNALS - An implantable medical device is provided that comprises a housing, sensors configured to be located to proximate a heart, and a sensing module to sense cardiac signals originating from the heart over a channel defined by the sensors. The cardiac signals include intrinsic R-wave events and associated intrinsic confirmation events when the heart exhibits normal sinus rhythm. The device further includes memory to store the cardiac signals sensed over a channel, and a detection module. The detection module identifies an R-wave event within the cardiac signals. The detection module captures, in the memory, a segment of the cardiac signals that precedes the R-wave event as a retrospective segment. The detection module determines whether the retrospective segment includes an intrinsic confirmation event that is associated with and occurs before the R-wave event. The detection module declares an arrhythmia based at least in part on the determination of whether the retrospective segment includes the intrinsic confirmation event is absent from the retrospective segment. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110137364 | MULTI-SITE PACING FOR ATRIAL TACHYARRHYTHMIAS - Tachyarrhythmia is treated by applying anti-tachycardia pacing through at least one multi-site electrode set located on, in or around the heart. The electrode set is arranged and located such that an electrical activation pattern having a wave-front between substantially flat and concave is generated through a reentrant circuit associated with the tachyarrhythmia. The electrode set may be one of a plurality of predefined, multi-site electrode sets located on, in or around the atria. Alternatively, the electrode set may be formed using at least two selectable electrodes located on, in or around the atria | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110144711 | Method and System for Hemodynamic Optimization Using Plethysmography - Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110152990 | MRI COMPATIBLE LEAD EMPLOYING MULTIPLE MINIATURE INDUCTORS - An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The lead includes a first electrode and a first electrical circuit. The first electrode is near a distal portion of the lead. The first electrical circuit extends through the lead to the first electrode and includes at least one conductor and a first band stop filter coupled between the distal end of the conductor and the electrode. The first band stop filter includes a first group of inductors in parallel and a second group of inductors in parallel. The first group is in series with the second group. The first group of inductors may include a self resonant L. The first group of inductors may include a self resonant tank LC. The first group of inductors may include a miniature self resonant L or miniature self resonant tank LC. The first group of inductors may include an integrated circuit of L and C components. | 06-23-2011 |
