Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and system for testing same

• US 6,216,036 B1
• Filed: 02/17/1999
• Issued: 04/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Janice M. Jenkins, Jenkins, Richard
• Original Assignee: Janice M. Jenkins, Jenkins, Richard
• Inventors: Jenkins, Richard, Jenkins, Janice M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US09/252,043
• Time in Patent Office: 783 Days
• Field of Search: 607/27, 607/28, 607/5
• US Class Current: 607/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3706 Pacemaker parameters stimulation threshold A61N1/371

Abstract

An in-vitro testing system to assist in optimal programming of an ICD is provided which avoids the inconvenience and health risk associated with repetitive inductions of an arrhythmia. The system includes a high speed computer having analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog subsystems. The system includes software which provides real-time capture and storage of a patient'"'"'s electrogram. Subsequently, the electrogram may be played and replayed into ICD software simulators at a variety of settings to determine candidate programming parameters. The system further includes an attenuator through which signals are fed on their way to an ICD. This arrangement provides a method by which validation of the simulation system may be achieved. The system also provides for the capture of output event markers simultaneously with the signal into a digital file for assessment of device performance.

Claims

1. An in-vitro testing system to assist in the optimal programming of a cardiac pacemaker for use in conjunction with a heart, the system including:

an input amplifier;

an input analog-to-digital subsystem connected to said input amplifier;

a storage apparatus for storing new incoming electrograms of a patient, said electrograms being defined by a series of digitized wave forms selected from the group consisting of normal and abnormal rhythms, said storage apparatus being connected to said analog-to-digital subsystem, said storage apparatus including system hardware for responding to system software, said storage apparatus further including system software for providing real-time capture and storage of said incoming electrograms;

a digital-to-analog subsystem connected to said storage apparatus;

an output-to-ICD attenuator connected to said digital-to-analog subsystem;

a programmable cardiac pacemaker connected to said output-to-ICD attenuator;

an analyzer for evaluating the response of said programmable cardiac pacemaker; and

leads for providing operative connection with the heart.

2. The in-vitro testing system of claim 1, said system further including an ICD-to-input attenuator connected to said programmable cardiac pacemaker.

3. The in-vitro testing system of claim 2, said system further including an output analog-to digital subsystem connected to said ICD-to-input attenuator.

4. The in-vitro testing system of claim 3, said system further including a recorder for recording ICD behavior connected to said output analog-to digital subsystem.

5. The in-vitro testing system of claim 4, said system further including a display connected to said recorder for recording ICD behavior.