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Pacemaker having independently programmable electrode configuration for pacing and sensing and method for operation thereof

  • US 4,991,583 A
  • Filed: 05/01/1989
  • Issued: 02/12/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An implantable pacemaker, comprising:

  • a first electrode terminal;

    a group of return electrode terminals, said group including a second electrode terminal (20) and a third electrode terminal (18);

    means for selecting a return electrode terminal selected from said group of return electrode terminals;

    a voltage source (14) having a ground reference potential (Vdd) and a negative reference potential (VSS) associated therewith;

    means (28), coupled to said voltage source, for generating a first reference potential different from said ground reference potential;

    pulse generating means (12, C1) for generating a stimulation pulse;

    a coupling capacitor (C2) for coupling said stimulation pulse generated by said pulse generating means to said first electrode terminal;

    pacing configuration means for electrically connecting said selected return electrode terminal to said ground reference potential only during said stimulation pulse, and for electrically connecting said first electrode to said pulse generator means so that said stimulation pulse is delivered between said first electrode and said selected return electrode; and

    fast discharge means for discharging said coupling capacitor towards said first reference potential for said prescribed time period by connecting together said coupling capacitor, said selected return electrode, and said first reference potential for a prescribed time period immediately subsequent to said stimulation pulse, whereby said selected return electrode provides a ground reference during said stimulation pulse and a non-ground reference during a fast discharge time period.

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