Method and device for monitoring electrodes of electrical heart stimulators
First Claim
1. A method for continuously electrically monitoring a stimulation electrode and an indifferent electrode in an electrical cardiac stimulator, comprising the steps of:
- maintaining a voltage between said electrodes constant by regulating a weak compensating current; and
monitoring the magnitude of said compensating current as indicative of the presence of damage to one of said electrodes.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a method for continuous, electrical monitoring of the electrodes of an electrical heart stimulator, having at least one stimulation electrode and an indifferent electrode, the inter-electrode voltage is kept constant by regulation of a very low compensating current, and the magnitude of this current is measured and monitored. A device for such electrode monitoring includes control electronics and an output stage for delivery to the stimulation electrode of stimulation pulses. The output stage is devised to supply the electrodes with a weak, continuous current, or a repeated, pulsed current, producing a net direct current, in addition to stimulation pulses. A monitoring unit senses the inter-electrode voltage and, on the basis thereof, deliver an output signal to the control electronics for the purpose of controlling the weak current so the inter-electrode voltage is kept constant at a given value. This output signal is monitored, with significant deviations thereof, or an inability to maintain the inter-electrode voltage constant indicating the presence of a fault in the electrode system.
64 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for continuously electrically monitoring a stimulation electrode and an indifferent electrode in an electrical cardiac stimulator, comprising the steps of:
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maintaining a voltage between said electrodes constant by regulating a weak compensating current; and monitoring the magnitude of said compensating current as indicative of the presence of damage to one of said electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. In an electrical cardiac stimulator having at least one stimulation electrode, an indifferent electrode, and output means for delivering electrical stimulation pulses via said electrodes, the improvement of a device for continuously electrically monitoring said electrodes, said device comprising:
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control means for controlling said output stage to supply said electrodes with a weak current in addition to said stimulation pulses; monitoring means for sensing a voltage between said electrodes and for supplying an output signal to said control means for controlling said weak current for maintaining said voltage constant at a defined value; and means for monitoring said output signal to determine if said voltage deviates from said defined value. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification