Implantable medical device and method using integrated T-wave alternans analyzer
US6823213B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/1107
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable medical device includes a sensor and a T-wave analyzer. The sensor is implantable within the body of a patient to sense electrical cardiac activity and provide an indication of T-wave alternans within the heart of the patient. The T-wave analyzer is responsive to the sensor, and evaluates cardiac risk based on comparison of the indication of T-wave alternans to a predetermined criterion. The T-wave analyzer may form part of a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or combination of both. The device may include a pacing generator that applies increased rate pacing stimuli to the heart to facilitate sensing of the T-wave alternans by the sensor. The device also may incorporate a memory that stores the T-wave alternans indication provided by the sensor, e.g., over a number of heartbeats. In addition, the device may be equipped to provide an alert to the patient or a physician in the event the processor generates the indication of cardiac risk. The results of the T-wave alternans analysis over a period of time can be stored as data in memory for access by a physician, e.g., by telemetry. In response to the alternans data, the physician may prescribe pharmacologic th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.