Methods and implantable devices for inducing fibrillation by alternating constant current
First Claim
1. A method of inducing fibrillation in a patient, the method comprising applying an alternating current to the patient from an ICD, wherein the alternating current comprises a series of pulses each having a substantially constant current.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed toward methods for inducing fibrillation in a patient using a controlled current AC signal applied via an implanted ICD. In some embodiments, the AC signal is applied as a series of alternating constant current pulses. Some embodiments make use of a specialized H-bridge circuit for applying the AC signal. A low-side current controlling portion of an ICD'"'"'s circuitry may make up part of the specialized H-bridge circuit. Further embodiments include devices embodying these methods.
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Citations
21 Claims
- 1. A method of inducing fibrillation in a patient, the method comprising applying an alternating current to the patient from an ICD, wherein the alternating current comprises a series of pulses each having a substantially constant current.
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9. A method of creating fibrillation in a patient using an implanted ICD, the ICD including an energy storage system configured for collecting and discharging defibrillation stimuli, the method comprising:
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charging the energy storage system to a predetermined level;
discharging the energy storage system such that an alternating current signal having a substantially constant current is formed. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. An ICD comprising:
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a housing;
a battery contained in the housing; and
circuitry contained within the housing and coupled to the battery, the circuitry configured for generating defibrillation signals and including an energy storage system;
wherein;
the circuitry includes an H-bridge having a high side and a low side, each side having a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first and second branches of the low side are coupled to a current regulating means for regulating current flowing therethrough; and
the circuitry includes a controller coupled to the current regulating means, the controller having a fibrillation inducing mode configured to cause the H-bridge to create an output of a controlled current alternating stimulus. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An ICD comprising:
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a housing;
a battery contained in the housing;
an energy storage system including at least one capacitive element;
an H-bridge having a high side and a low side, each side having a first branch and a second branch, wherein current flow through the H-bridge is selectively controllable; and
a controller coupled to the battery and the H-bridge, the controller having a fibrillation inducing mode configured to cause the H-bridge to create an output of a controlled current alternating stimulus. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification