Time domain reflectometer-integrity testing system and method for medical device electrode
First Claim
1. An electrical medical device comprising:
- means for receiving a first electrode,means for transmitting a first electrical signal to the electrode receiving means,time domain reflectometer means operatively connected to the electrode receiving means such that at a time domain reflectometer pulse may be transmitted to the electrode receiving means, the time domain reflectometer means comprising output signal means, andanti-coincidence means preventing a time domain reflectometer pulse from being transmitted to the electrode receiving means when a first electrical signal is being transmitted to the electrode receiving means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for testing the integrity of an electrode/wire, such as a pacemaker electrode, and electrical wires connected thereto has a receptacle for an electrode and includes a time domain reflectometer comprising an output signal mechanism operatively connected to the electrode receptacle. The method of analyzing the integrity of an electrode comprises the steps of generating a time domain reflectometer (TDR) reading (output signal) from the electrode, and transmitting the signal to an output device. The output signal may be analyzed to determined whether it varies by a predetermined threshold, or it may be displayed so that differences in the electrical characteristics of the electrode may be identified. The present invention allows a cardiologist or technician to ensure that the electrode is properly engaged and to determine the integrity of the electrode.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An electrical medical device comprising:
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means for receiving a first electrode, means for transmitting a first electrical signal to the electrode receiving means, time domain reflectometer means operatively connected to the electrode receiving means such that at a time domain reflectometer pulse may be transmitted to the electrode receiving means, the time domain reflectometer means comprising output signal means, and anti-coincidence means preventing a time domain reflectometer pulse from being transmitted to the electrode receiving means when a first electrical signal is being transmitted to the electrode receiving means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of analyzing the integrity of a first medical electrode for transmitting an electrical signal, comprising the steps of:
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providing means for transmitting an electrical signal on the first electrode, the transmitting means being capable of being selectively enabled and disabled, providing a time domain reflectometer (TDR) operatively connected to the first electrode, disabling the transmission of electrical signals on the first electrode, generating a first TDR reading from the first electrode and outputting the TDR reading, reenabling the transmission of electrical signals on the first electrode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification