Method and apparatus for defibrillating the heart using internal esophageal electrode and external chest electrode
US5052390A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1988 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/395
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
When the heart is in ventricular fibrillation, the heart cells that stimulate the heart muscles produce rapid repetitive excitation without coordinated contraction of the ventricle. There is no effective simultaneous action to make the heart beat in a ryhthmic fashion. A defibrillator delivers to the heart cells and muscles, enough voltage to override the erratic voltages in the heart (called repolarization) so they can rearrange themselves with order. The heart can then start over to deliver a regular rhythm. Atrial defibrillation is achieved with an internal esophageal electrode and an external chest electrode placed approximately on a line between the two nipples and part way between the sternum and the left nipple. This provides a precise path for the defibrillating pulse and consequently a very efficient path, so that defibrillation is accomplished with very low power of 30 to 70 joules (average 50 joules) compared to what is normally used, namely, 100 to 360 joules. Also in accordance with this invention, ventricular defibrillation is achieved with an internal esophageal electrode and an external chest electrode placed approximately over the apex of the left ventricle. This p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.