Permanently implantable system and method for detecting, diagnosing and treating congestive heart failure
US6328699A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3627
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides improved apparatus and methods for treating congestive heart failure in a medical patient. The apparatus includes a pressure transducer permanently implantable within the left atrium of the patient's heart and operable to generate electrical signals indicative of fluid pressures within the patient's left atrium. The pressure transducer is connected to a flexible electrical lead, which is connected in turn to electrical circuitry, which in the preferred embodiment includes digital circuitry for processing electrical signals. The electrical circuitry processes the electrical signals from the pressure transducer and, based at least in part on those signals, generates a signal that indicates a desired therapeutic treatment for treating the patient's condition. That signal is then communicated to the patient via a patient signaling device, following which the patient administers to him or herself the prescribed therapeutic treatment indicated by the signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.