Method and apparatus to monitor pulmonary edema
US6931272B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3627
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In general, the invention is directed to monitoring fluid retention that may accompany congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema. A medical device, such as an implanted pacemaker or an external defibrillator, senses electrical signals associated with the periodic depolarization and re-polarization of a heart. The device processes the electrical signals to obtain one or more “cardiac parameters,” which reflect pulmonary edema. By monitoring the cardiac parameters, the device monitors pulmonary edema. Cardiac parameters comprise the amplitude of the QRS complex, the integral of the QRS complex, or the integral of the QRST segment and the like. When the device detects fluid buildup, the device may respond by taking remedial action and/or generating an alert.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.