Method and apparatus for diaphragmatic pacing
US6415183B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/368
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A diaphragmatic pacing system and method. The method includes monitoring a signal representing a patient's respiratory activity, and delivering an electric stimulus from a lead to the phrenic nerve when the signal indicates that the respiratory activity is below a predetermined level. Physiological state information, such as the respiration activity or minute ventilation, is sensed using the implanted lead and the method delivers an output based on such input. Another embodiment provides concurrent sensing and pacing of heart and diaphragm using a single implanted pulse generator. The implantable system includes at least one lead and a signal processing circuit coupled to the lead. The signal processing circuit processes a signal representative of a respiratory activity. A controller coupled to the signal processing circuit analyzes the signal and when the signal indicates a need for respiratory therapy the controller outputs a controller signal. An output circuit coupled to the controller, for delivering a pulse in response to the controller signal, the pulse having an amplitude high enough to stimulate a phrenic nerve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.