Apparatus and method for detection of atrial fibrillation by ventricular stability and ventricular pacing
US5591215A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36521
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cardiac implant device is provided in which the ventricular rate is monitored to differentiate between atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia or other cardiac conditions. For this purpose, the ventricular rate stability is monitored by, for example, measuring the R-R intervals of successive ventricular beats. If the ventricular rate is found to be unstable, the ventricle is paced at a test rate to try to stabilize the ventricle. If the attempt is unsuccessful, atrial fibrillation is assumed and, if necessary, corresponding therapy is applied. If the attempt is unsuccessful, atrial fibrillation is eliminated as a cause of the ventricular rate instability and other types of classifying and treating the cardiac condition may be used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.