Method and apparatus for treatment of atrial fibrillation
US5840079A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3622
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of and apparatus for delivering ventricular pacing pulses to terminate high rate atrial tachyarrhythmias including fibrillation or flutter or to reduce the requirements for termination of atrial fibrillation or flutter. In response to detected atrial fibrillation or flutter, the apparatus delivers ventricular pacing pulses at a lower rate, for example one third or half of the preceding base pacing rate, for a defined, limited period of time. After delivery of the low rate ventricular pacing pulses for the defined time period, if the high rate atrial tachyarrhythmia is not terminated, an additional therapy such a high energy defibrillation pulse or pacing level pulse trains may be applied to the atria. Prior to the delivery of low rate ventricular pacing pulses, the apparatus may deliver a higher rate of ventricular pacing pulses, for example twice the preceding base pacing rate, so that the transition in rates occurring on delivery of the low rate pulses is made more pronounced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.