Automatic implantable pulse generator
First Claim
1. An automatic implantable pulse generator, the pulse generator having a pair of output terminals, comprising:
- pulse generating means for generating stimulation pulses to a patient'"'"'s heart through the pair of output terminals;
a biocompatible housing for housing the pulse generating means;
means for detecting when the housing has been implanted, the detecting means including means for measuring an impedance between the pair of output terminals, the detecting means further including means for determining when the impedance is within a predetermined range of impedances corresponding to normal cardiac tissue;
means for operating the pulse generating means in a storage mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has not been implanted; and
means for operating the pulse generating means in at least one automatic mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has been implanted.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward a pulse generator for detecting that a pulse generator and an implantable lead are properly implanted so that a plurality of automatic features can be automatically turned ON. The automatic features include: automatic sensitivity adjustment; automatic capture adjustment; automatic rate adjustment, and the automatic adjustment of associated rate-responsive parameters; automatic electrode configuration; and the automatic adjustment of other timing parameters. An impedance detector is used to detect that the electrodes are in contact with the body by determining if the lead impedance is within a prescribed range. Redundant sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a shorting plug, or a resistive load could be used to confirm that the electrodes are in contact with the body.
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Citations
51 Claims
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1. An automatic implantable pulse generator, the pulse generator having a pair of output terminals, comprising:
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pulse generating means for generating stimulation pulses to a patient'"'"'s heart through the pair of output terminals; a biocompatible housing for housing the pulse generating means; means for detecting when the housing has been implanted, the detecting means including means for measuring an impedance between the pair of output terminals, the detecting means further including means for determining when the impedance is within a predetermined range of impedances corresponding to normal cardiac tissue; means for operating the pulse generating means in a storage mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has not been implanted; and means for operating the pulse generating means in at least one automatic mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has been implanted. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An automatic implantable pulse generator, comprising:
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pulse generating means for generating stimulation pulses to a patient'"'"'s heart; a biocompatible housing for housing the pulse generating means; means for operating the pulse generating means in a plurality of automatic modes; means for detecting when the housing has been implanted; and means for programming the mode of operation to a low current drain mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has not been implanted, and for programming the mode of operation to at least one of the plurality of automatic modes when the detecting means detects that the housing has been implanted. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method of automatically operating an implantable pulse generator, the implantable pulse generator having pulse generating means for generating stimulation pulses, the pulse generating means being enclosed in a biocompatible housing with a pair of output terminals therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:
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measuring impedance between the pair of output terminals; detecting when the housing has been implanted by determining when the impedance is within a predetermined range corresponding to body tissue impedance; automatically programming the pulse generating means in a storage mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has not been implanted; and automatically programming the pulse generating means in at least one automatic mode when the detecting means detects that the housing has been implanted. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A system for detecting when an implantable stimulation device has been properly connected to an implantable lead in contact with body tissue, the system including pulse generating means having a pair of output terminals, the system comprising:
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means for measuring impedance between the pair of output terminals; means for determining when the impedance is within a predetermined range, thereby providing a first indication that the pulse generating means has been properly connected to an implantable lead in contact with body tissue; and a redundant sensor having means for confirming when the stimulation device has been properly connected to the implantable lead in contact with body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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Specification