Sequential-pulse, multiple pathway defibrillation method
US4548203A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 1984 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/3132
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of controlling cardiac ventricular fibrillation and other tachyarrhythmias by delivery of two time-separated current pulses to separate pairs of electrodes spatially placed in, around, or on the heart. The technique produces a temporal and spatial summation of the delivered current, which results in a dramatic reduction in the voltage, current, and energy required for defibrillation, or cardioversion, and allows the use of a smaller implantable pulse generator. The new system achieves a more uniform distribution of current within the ventricular myocardium, thereby reducing the risk of tissue damage and increasing the margin of safety between effective shocks and myocardial depressing or damaging shocks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.