Patent · US Expired

Evoked and spontaneous cardiac activity detection in a dual-chamber electronic pacemaker and method

US5713934A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 12, 1995
Grant dateFeb 3, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 12, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/3712
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of operating a pacemaker and a pacemaker system that cuts short a pacemaker-defined refractory time period whenever capture is not achieved. The pacemaker generates a cardiac stimulation pulse, and in response thereto, initiates an evoked response detection time period and a refractory time period. If an evoked response occurs during the evoked response detection time period, capture is presumed. If an evoked response does not occur during the evoked response detection time period, then capture is not achieved and the refractory time period is terminated, or cut short, thereby lengthening the window during which natural cardiac activity may be sensed. In the event natural cardiac activity is not detected following the termination of the refractory time period, a backup stimulation pulse may be generated.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.