Method and apparatus for pacing the heart employing external and internal electrodes
US4574807A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/362
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
When a person's heart is beating at a slow or an irregular rate, or after defibrillation, the heart should be stabilized to beat at a particular rate. This electronic pacing method and apparatus can accomplish that purpose without surgery and in a few seconds. It is accomplished by a flexible tube or rod having a series of circumferential electrically conductive rings spaced a few centimeters apart and electrically connected together which may be inserted down the esophagus so as to place the rings in the lower portion thereof. A second electrode which may be a conventional adhesively attached ECG electrode is attached to the sternum. An electrical pulse of short duration and low power which may emanate from a small battery operated electronic stimulator is passed between the electrodes. The pulses stimulate the heart muscles and make the heart beat at a preset rate. The tube or rod with the electrodes may be small enough to pass through an esophageal gastric tube or similar device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.