Method and apparatus for effecting automatic ventricular defibrillation and/or demand cardioversion through the means of an implanted automatic defibrillator
US4300567A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1980 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3956
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for effecting automatic ventricular defibrillation and/or demand cardioversion comprises an implanted automatic defibrillator having a normal (ventricular defibrillation) mode of operation and a cardioverting (demand cardioversion) mode of operation. One embodiment of the invention includes a simulated fibrillation source, externally located, for applying a simulated fibrillation signal to the patient via corresponding electrodes, the internal automatic defibrillator detecting the simulated fibrillation signal and responding thereto so as to apply a defibrillating voltage (in the normal mode) or a cardioverting voltage (in the cardioverting mode) to the heart of the patient. Another embodiment of the invention also includes an external command system, by means of which the implanted automatic defibrillator is actuated from the normal mode to the cardioverting mode, to reduce the discharge energy level, to cardiovert in synchronization with the QRS complex, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.