System and method for detecting dislodgement of an implantable medical device
US6807439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3706
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved system and method for detecting dislodgement of an implantable medical device (IMD) such as a catheter or lead is disclosed. The system includes means for generating multiple, orthogonally-related signals within a body. For example, three current signals having a current path substantially oriented in the X, Y, and Z directions may be generated within the body. The invention further includes an IMD having an affixation device such as a helix at a distal tip for attachment to body tissue, and at least two sensing devices to sense the signals generated within the body. The difference in signal levels between two of the sensing devices may be measured. For example, a voltage potential difference created by the currents within the body may be measured between two electrodes. This measured signal level has components in the X, Y, and Z directions, and may therefore be used to define a directional vector in three-dimensional space. This vector is indicative of the orientation of the IMD. By comparing a directional vector indicative of a current IMD position with a vector indicative of a reference orientation, dislodgement of the IMD may be detected. In one embodiment, the ref…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.