Limitless rotary pacing current control method and apparatus
US5172691A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/37
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pacemaker/monitor (10) is disclosed for applying a pacing current to a patient through a pair of pacing electrodes (12). The pacemaker/monitor includes a plurality of manual inputs (26) for use by an operator and a microprocessor (16) that responds to programmed instructions stored in read-only memory (20). Cooperatively, these components control the operation of the pacemaker/monitor. In that regard, the desired magnitude of the pacing current in input to the pacemaker/monitor via a limitless rotary current control (46), formed by a rotary pulse generator (52) and a decoder circuit (50). The microprocessor monitors the operation of the various manual inputs and sets the pacing current to zero milliamperes in the event one of the inputs is used, regardless of the position of the rotary pulse generator. For example, when the pacemaker/monitor is turned ON, or the pacing mode of operation is selected, the pacing current is zeroed. Subsequent adjustments in the pacing current are then governed by the microprocessor in response to rotation of the rotary pulse generator. The use of the rotary pulse generator advantageously allows the pacing current level to be quickly adjusted, while …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.