Systems and methods for delivering stimulation pulses using an implantable cardiac stimulation device
US7751888B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3627
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Techniques are described for delivering inotropic electrical therapy to myocardial tissue using an implantable cardiac stimulation device such as a pacemaker. In one example, electrical stimulation is applied by a pacemaker to the heart of a patient while taking into account dynamic trans-cardiac impedance waveforms measured within the patient. In another example, a series of subthreshold inotropic stimulation pulses are delivered just prior to delivery of a suprathreshold depolarizing pulse that triggers systole. Additional subthreshold inotropic stimulation pulses can also be delivered following the suprathreshold pulse. Preferably, the magnitudes of the inotropic pulses are incrementally increased prior to systole then decremented thereafter, thereby gradually recruiting myocardium that has differing thresholds for depolarization. Both techniques seek to improve myocardial contractility of diseased tissue by improving calcium flux. Both techniques may additionally exploit the use of “multidimensional forced fusion”, described herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.