Method and apparatus for delivering an optimum shock duration in treating cardiac arrhythmias
US5540723A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3937
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for delivering an optimum electrical shock in treating cardiac arrhythmias. The invention comprises apparatus for producing an electrical waveform signal at least at two electrodes. The voltage or current of the signal is then detected to determine the signal time constant. The signal time constant is then used in conjunction with a model time constant to determine when the peak amplitude is reached. The waveform is then interrupted when the peak amplitude is reached. Also provided are methods of selecting a cardiac defibrillator by measuring the impedance of implanted electrodes and then selecting a defibrillator having a capacitor which provides an RC time constant equal to that of a model time constant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.