Atrial defibrillation method

• US 5,690,686 A
• Filed: 04/30/1996
• Issued: 11/25/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Min, Xiaoyi, Mehra, Rahul, Anderson, Kenneth M., Mongeon, Luc R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHAETZLE, KENNEDY
• Application Number:
  US08/640,380
• Time in Patent Office: 574 Days
• Field of Search: 607/5, 607/4
• US Class Current: 607/5
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3918 characterised by shock pathway, e.g. by electrode configuration
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/395 for treating atrial fibrillation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy

Abstract

A method and apparatus for treating atrial tachyarrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation. High energy pulses are delivered between electrodes located in the right atrium/SVC, the left pectoral region and the coronary sinus/great vein, with the left pectoral and coronary sinus/great vein electrodes connected in common. Optionally a ventricular electrode may also be employed in conjunction with one or more of the other listed electrodes to accomplish ventricular cardioversion or defibrillation.

Claims

1. A method of cardioverting a patient'"'"'s heart, comprising:

locating a first electrode in the coronary sinus of said patient'"'"'s heart;

locating a second electrode subcutaneously in a left pectoral location in said patient'"'"'s chest;

locating a third electrode in the right atrium/superior vena cava portion of said patient'"'"'s heart;

sensing an occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia;

coupling said first electrode to said second electrode; and

delivering a cardioversion pulse between said first and third electrodes and between said second and third electrodes in response to a detected occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of delivering a cardioversion pulse further comprises coupling said first and second electrodes to one another during said pulse.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising;

locating a fourth electrode adjacent said patient'"'"'s ventricle;

sensing an occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia; and

delivering a cardioversion pulse between one or more of said first, second and third electrodes and said fourth electrode.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of locating said fourth electrode comprises implanting a pulse generator including a housing having a conductive portion.