Device and method for detection and treatment of syncope
First Claim
1. An implantable device for detection and treatment of syncope comprising:
- means for sensing physiological activity associated with the onset of syncope;
means for determining the onset of syncope; and
means for infusing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition for treating syncope directly into the heart.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention disclosed herein relates to an implantable medical device for detection and treatment of syncope comprising an algorithm for determining the presence of syncope based on physiological activity associated with the onset of a syncopal episode, and a means for infusion a drug. Drug infusion therapy may be used along or in combination with pacing. The physiological activities detected and used by the device are selected from the group including changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, QT interval, PR interval, pressure, blood flow, vagal nerve activity, temperature, pH, and AV conduction times, respiration rate, position, motion, and combinations thereof. Drugs which may be used with the invention include pharmaceutical compositions which are capable of both endocardial administration and treatment of syncope, such as compositions comprising beta-blockers.
234 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An implantable device for detection and treatment of syncope comprising:
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means for sensing physiological activity associated with the onset of syncope; means for determining the onset of syncope; and means for infusing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition for treating syncope directly into the heart. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for detection and endocardial treatment of syncope in a patient in need of treatment thereof, comprising:
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sensing physiological activity associated with the onset of syncope; determining the presence of an onset of syncope; and infusing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition for treating syncope directly into the heart in response to said determination.
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5. A method for treating syncope comprising the steps of:
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determining the QT/R--R ratio of a patient'"'"'s heart beat; comparing the determined QT/R--R ratio with a baseline value for the QT/R--R ratio; and infusing a drug into the heart for treatment of syncope, if the determined value of the QT/R--R ratio is less than the baseline value. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. A method for treating syncope, comprising the steps of:
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making a first comparison of the current QT/R--R ratio value of a patient to a baseline value; making a second comparison of the then current value of the patient'"'"'s QT/R--R ratio with the baseline value at least about 1 minute after the first comparison; and infusing drugs to the heart if the then current values of the QT/R--R ratios for the first and second comparison are less than the baseline values. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification