Heart monitors with robust interval measurements
US6480741B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/365
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Thousands of patients prone to irregular and sometimes life threatening heart rhythms have miniature heart-monitoring devices, such as defibrillators and cardioverters, implanted in their chests. These devices detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply electrical therapy to restore normal heart function. Significant parts of these devices include the microprocessor and stored instructions, or algorithms, that govern how the devices interpret and react to electrical signals indicative of normal or abnormal heart rhythms. These algorithms generally use the time intervals between successive heart beats, or cardiac events, as a key factor in therapy decisions. To ensure accuracy of interval measurements, the inventor devised new methods for processing heart electrical signals, some of which ensure accurate interval measurements without unduly delaying therapy decisions or consuming significant battery power. One of these new methods detects an abnormal interval measurement and either disqualifies the abnormal interval from use in making therapy decisions or divides the abnormal interval into two or more other intervals, thereby facilitating identification and treatment of ab…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.