Cardiac pacing modality having improved blanking, timing, and therapy delivery methods for extra-systolic stimulation pacing therapy

• US 20050090872A1
• Filed: 10/24/2003
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gillberg, Jeffrey M., Kleckner, Karen J., Deno, D. Curtis, Zillmer, Glenn C., Splett, Vincent E., Klepfer, Ruth N.
• Granted Patent: US 7,142,916 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/25
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3627 for treating a mechanical deficiency of the heart, e.g. congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/365 controlled by a physiological parameter, e.g. heart potential evoked response A61N1/371

Abstract

The present invention relates to the secure delivery of an extra-systolic stimulation (ESS) therapy to treat cardiac dysfunction that employs atrial and/or ventricular extra-systoles via pacing-like stimulation of the heart. These extra-systoles must be timed correctly to achieve beneficial effects on myocardial mechanics (benefit) while maintaining an extremely low level of risk of arrhythmia induction and excellent ICD-like arrhythmia sensing and detection (security). Further experience with ESS has led to improved implementation methods that depend on better blanking, ESS stimulation timing (of an “extra-systolic interval” or ESI), and ESS therapy delivery options and guidance. These methods may be employed individually or in combinations in an external or implantable ESS therapy delivery device.

Claims