Pacemaker system with improved techniques for preventing and suppressing atrial arrhythmias
US5978709A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3622
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
There is provided a pacing system having special functions for treating the patient's atrium with atrial pacing so as to reduce the probability of occurrence of dangerous atrial arrhythmias. The pacemaker of the system provides for atrial Pace.sub.-- Conditioning, whereby the patient's normal intrinsic atrial rate is overridden by higher rate pacing whenever a predetermined sequence of intrinsic heartbeats is sensed. The pacemaker also provides for special pacing routines following the detection of one or more PACs. The PAC response routines include pacing at an elevated rate for a predetermined time or number of beats, and smoothing out pacing intervals for one or several cycles following the occurrence of a PAC. The pacemaker also includes a post-exercise function, for overtaking the intrinsic rate and pacing the heart following exercise, the pacing being in accordance with a predetermined program which holds a relatively higher rate longer than normal post-exercise, so as to provide enhanced blood flow to the cardiac tissue and prevent the onset of ischemia.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.