Cardiac pacemaker
US4120307A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1976 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3708
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for indicating end of battery life in a cardiac pacemaker. A battery voltage monitoring circuit provides an indication of battery voltage drop below a predetermined level. A counter circuit and decode logic respond to the voltage drop indication to block a portion of a predetermined number of the generated pacing pulses from the heart to induce a benign arrhythmia in the heart thereby indicating end of battery life. In another embodiment a plurality of voltage sensors indicate progressive decreases in battery voltage and are connected with decode logic to block an increasing number of pacing pulses to indicate worsening battery condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.