Pacemaker having PVC response and PMT terminating features
US4788980A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1986 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3622
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An atrial tracking dual-chamber pacemaker and method of use for reducing the risk of initiating a pacer mediated tachycardia (PMT), and breaking such a PMT if once started. The pacemaker includes means for sensing a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). The pacemaker operates in a conventional manner unless a PVC is sensed. If a PVC is sensed, in accordance with one embodiment, an extended atrial refractory period is triggered in an attempt to block any retrograde atrial events resulting from the PVC. This is followed by an atrial alert time window. After a prescribed A-V delay subsequent to the timing out or other termination of the atrial alert time window, a ventricular stimulation pulse is generated, unless prior ventricular activity is sensed that inhibits such ventricular stimulation pulse. In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing of a PVC triggers, after a suitable refractory period, a retrograde sense period during which any sensed atrial electrical activity is presumed to be a retrograde event. Appropriate steps are taken in order to deal with the retrograde event to prevent its occurrence from triggering a PMT. If a PMT has started, a prescribed number of cyc…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.