Method for the monitoring and treatment of spontaneous cardiac arrhythmias

• US 6,148,230 A
• Filed: 01/30/1998
• Issued: 11/14/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: UAB Research Foundation (University of Alabama System)
• Original Assignee: UAB Research Foundation (University of Alabama System)
• Inventors: KenKnight, Bruce H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaetzle, Kennedy
• Application Number:
  US09/016,463
• Time in Patent Office: 1,019 Days
• Field of Search: 600/509, 600/508, 600/515, 600/518, 600/523, 600/516, 607/32, 607/119, 128/898
• US Class Current: 600/516
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/287 Holders for multiple electrodes, e.g. electrode catheters for electrophysiological study [EPS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3622 comprising two or more electrodes co-operating with different heart regions
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3702 Physiological parameters A61N1/365 takes precedence; evoked response A61N1/371
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion

Abstract

An implantable apparatus for the detection and monitoring of spontaneous cardiac electrogram features in a comprises a cardiac monitoring device and a plurality of subcutaneous cardiac sensing electrodes electrically connected to the monitoring device. The sensing electrodes are configured for sensing cardiac electrogram features when implanted in spatially separate locations in a patient. A storage device contained within the monitoring device is operably associated with the subcutaneous electrodes and stores the cardiac electrogram features. Preferably, the plurality of subcutaneous electrodes are carried by a single elongate lead. A downloading device such as telemetry apparatus or transcutaneous electrical connectors may be provided so that the stored information can be downloaded to a separate apparatus external to the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the apparataus is a defibrillator. Methods of using such apparatus are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for detecting cardiac electrogram features in a patient in need thereof, comprising:

providing a plurality of subcutaneous sensing electrodes implanted in spatially separate locations in said patient, wherein said plurality of subcutaneous electrodes are carried by a single elongate lead;

providing an implantable cardiac monitoring device operably associated with said subcutaneous sensing electrodes;

detecting cardiac electrogram features through said plurality of sensing electrodes; and

storing said detected cardiac electrogram features in said monitoring device to provide stored electrical activity; and

extending said elongate lead from the xiphoid process of the sternum of said patient to a cardiac monitoring device implanted in the left pre-pectoral position in said patient.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of downloading said stored electrical activity to a separate apparatus external to said patient.

3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

analyzing said stored electrical activity following said downloading step; and

then

generating a therapeutic recommendation for managing cardiac arrhythmia for said patient based on said stored electrical activity.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising positioning one of said subcutaneous electrodes adjacent the xiphoid process of the patient, and another of said subcutaneous electrodes adjacent the left axilla of the patient.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said detecting step comprises the step of detecting an event selected from the group consisting of QT interval, PR interval, ST interval, RT interval, T wave duration, QRS duration, R wave morphology, and T wave morphology.