Method and apparatus using vagal stimulation for control of ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation
US5916239A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36585
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A closed-loop, variable-frequency, vagal-stimulation apparatus for control of ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a stimulator applied to the left vagus nerve and a controller programmed to automatically and continuously adjust the vagal stimulation frequency as a function of the difference between actual and desired ventricular excitation rates. In a second embodiment the apparatus includes a vagal nerve stimulator and a controller which automatically adjusts the vagal stimulation frequency as a function of the difference between ventricular excitation rate and arterial pulse rate in order to eliminate or minimize pulse deficit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.