×

Apparatus and method for discriminating flow of blood in a cardiovascular system

  • US 5,782,879 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1995
  • Issued: 07/21/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An implantable cardiac stimulator, comprising:

  • a first implantable electrode configured for implanting in a blood flow path of the cardiovascular system of a body;

    a second implantable electrode configured for implanting in the body such that an ionically conductive path exists through the body between the first and second electrodes;

    a reference implantable electrode configured for implanting in the body such that an ionically conductive path exists through the body between the first and reference electrodes;

    means for detecting cardiac fibrillation, whereby, if fibrillation is detected, a state of substantially no flow of blood at said first electrode can be assumed;

    means in electrical communication with said first and second electrodes for delivering a reference shock between said first and second electrodes at a time when there is substantially no flow of blood at said first electrode, and for subsequently delivering a defibrillation shock between said first and second electrodes;

    means for sensing in the time domain a reference electrical potential between said first electrode and said reference electrode following delivery of said reference shock, and for sensing in the time domain a test electrical potential between said first electrode and said reference electrode following delivery of said defibrillation shock; and

    means for analyzing and comparing said sensed reference electrical potential and said sensed test electrical potential, and for determining on the basis of said comparison whether blood is flowing following delivery of said defibrillation shock.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×