Defibrillation system having innominate vein electrode and method for its use
US5383908A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3918
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrode configuration for an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator system and method for its use are disclosed. The electrode configuration includes a first catheter transvenously positioned with a first electrode near the distal end of the catheter positioned in the right ventricle of a patient's heart. A second catheter carries second and third electrodes with the second electrode positioned in the superior vena cava region and the third electrode positioned in the left innominate vein. The second and third electrodes of the second catheter are connected together. A fourth electrode at the tip of the first catheter functions as a sensing/pacing electrode. A fifth electrode in the form of a subcutaneous patch is also electrically coupled to the second and third electrodes. The electrode arrangement can be positioned without the need for a thoracotomy. With the method of the invention, the automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator senses life-threatening arrhythmic conditions of the heart and issues at least one cardioverting or defibrillating pulse that is applied between the right ventricular electrode and the connected superior vena cava, innominate vein a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.