Venous pooling detection and therapy device
First Claim
1. A detection device for detecting venous pooling in a human body, comprising:
- a lead adapted for implantation in a subject and carrying sensor means for obtaining blood flow velocity data, said blood flow velocity data including data identifying at least one blood flow velocity wave produced after each heartbeat;
means for obtaining heartbeat data identifying successive heartbeats of said subject; and
control means, supplied with said blood flow velocity data and said heartbeat data, for identifying respective measured values of successive occurrences of said at least one blood flow velocity wave and for generating a signal indicating detection of venous pooling if a decrease of said measured values is preceded at an increase in a rate of said heartbeats.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An implantable detection and therapy device allow prediction of the vasovagal syncope for use in administering therapy to a subject, the therapy including pacing pulses or drug delivery, or a combination thereof. The detection and therapy device includes a sensor which obtains blood flow velocity data or blood pressure data either in the area of the tricuspid valve or in the superior vena cava. The data are utilized in a control unit to identify the occurrence of venous pooling, which is recognized by the occurrence of a sudden reduction of the peak values of blood flow velocity waves or blood pressure waves. If this sudden reduction of the blood flow velocity waves or blood pressure waves is preceded by a sudden increase in the sinus heartbeat rate, the reduction is identified as being caused by venous pooling. The sudden increase in sinus heartbeat rate is caused by the increased sympathetic activity preceding the vasovagal syncope. The administration of appropriate therapy is then triggered upon the identification of venous pooling.
74 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A detection device for detecting venous pooling in a human body, comprising:
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a lead adapted for implantation in a subject and carrying sensor means for obtaining blood flow velocity data, said blood flow velocity data including data identifying at least one blood flow velocity wave produced after each heartbeat; means for obtaining heartbeat data identifying successive heartbeats of said subject; and control means, supplied with said blood flow velocity data and said heartbeat data, for identifying respective measured values of successive occurrences of said at least one blood flow velocity wave and for generating a signal indicating detection of venous pooling if a decrease of said measured values is preceded at an increase in a rate of said heartbeats. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A detection device for detecting venous pooling in a human body, comprising:
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a lead adapted for implantation in a subject and carrying sensor means for obtaining blood pressure data, said blood pressure data including data identifying at least one blood pressure wave produced after each heartbeat; means for obtaining heartbeat data identifying successive heartbeats of said subject; and control means, supplied with said blood pressure data and said heartbeat data, for identifying respective measured values of successive occurrences of said at least one blood pressure wave and for generating a signal indicating detection of venous pooling if a decrease of said measured values is preceded at an increase in a rate of said heartbeats. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A therapy device for preventing vasovagal syncope comprising:
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a first cardiac lead carrying a first electrode, and adapted for implantation in a right atrium of a heart of a subject; a second cardiac lead carrying a second electrode, and adapted for implantation in a right ventricle of a heart of a subject; at least one of said first and second leads carrying sensor means for obtaining blood flow velocity data, said blood flow velocity data including data identifying at least one blood flow velocity wave produced after a heartbeat; at least one of said first and second leads comprising means for obtaining heartbeat data identifying successive heartbeats of said subject; control means, supplied with said blood flow velocity data and said heartbeat data, for identifying respective measured values of successive occurrences of said at least one blood flow velocity wave and for generating a signal indicating detection of venous pooling if a decrease of said measured values is preceded by an increase in a rate of said heartbeats; and pulse generator means, controlled by said control means, for emitting cardiac pacing pulses via at least one of said first and second leads, in response to said signal indicating detection of venous pooling. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A therapy device for preventing vasovagal syncope comprising:
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a first cardiac lead carrying a first electrode, and adapted for implantation in a right atrium of a heart of a subject; a second cardiac lead carrying a second electrode, and adapted for implantation in a right ventricle of a heart of a subject; at least one of said first and second leads carrying sensor means for obtaining blood pressure data, said blood pressure data including data identifying at least one blood pressure wave produced after a heartbeat; at least one of said first and second leads comprising means for obtaining heartbeat data identifying successive heartbeats of said subject; control means, supplied with said blood pressure data and said heartbeat data, for identifying respective measured values of successive occurrences of said at least one blood pressure wave and for generating a signal indicating detection of venous pooling if a decrease of said measured values is preceded by an increase in a rate of said heartbeats; and pulse generator means, controlled by said control means, for emitting cardiac pacing pulses via at least one of said first and second leads, in response to said signal indicating detection of venous pooling. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification