Method and apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmia

• US 6,122,553 A
• Filed: 09/09/1999
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: UAB Research Foundation (University of Alabama System)
• Original Assignee: UAB Research Foundation (University of Alabama System)
• Inventors: KenKnight, Bruce H., Ideker, Raymond E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US09/393,857
• Time in Patent Office: 376 Days
• Field of Search: 607/119, 607/122, 607/123, 607/125
• US Class Current: 607/122
• 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

Abstract

An implantable system for the defibrillation or cardioversion of the atria and the ventricles of a patient'"'"'s heart comprises: a first catheter configured for positioning in the right ventricle of the heart; a second catheter configured for positioning through the coronary sinus ostium and in the coronary sinus of the heart, with the first and second catheters together carrying at least three defibrillation electrodes; a power supply; and a control circuit operatively associated with the power supply and the electrodes. The control circuit is configured for delivering an atrial defibrillation pulse through at least two of the electrodes, or a ventricular defibrillation pulse through at least two of the electrodes.

Claims

1. A transvenous catheter for insertion into the heart of patient, said catheter suitable for use in combination with a combination atrial and ventricular defibrillator, said catheter comprising:

An elongate lead flexibly configured for insertion down the superior vena cava of the heart, into the right atrium, through the opening of the coronary sinus, through the proximal and distal coronary sinus, and into a coronary vein on the surface of the left ventricle of the heart to achieve an operable configuration therein;

a first defibrillation electrode connected to said lead;

a second defibrillation electrode connected to said lead at a position distal to said first defibrillation electrode; and

a third defibrillation electrode connected to said lead at a position distal to said second defibrillation electrode;

said first, second, and third defibrillation electrodes spaced apart on said lead so that, when said catheter is in said operable configuration,

said first defibrillation electrode is positioned in the proximal coronary sinus of the heart;

said second defibrillation electrode is positioned in the distal coronary sinus or great cardiac vein of the heart; and

said third defibrillation electrode is positioned in a coronary vein on the surface of the left ventricle of said heart.

2. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said third defibrillation electrode is positioned at the distal tip of said lead.

3. A catheter according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth electrode connected to said lead at a position proximal to said first electrode so that, when said catheter is in said operable configuration,

said fourth defibrillation electrode is positioned in the right atrium of the heart.